ANC STATEMENT ON THE INVESTIGATION FINDINGS ON ENKANDLA

The African National Congress welcomes the outcome of the investigation conducted by the Department of Public Works on allegations of unjustified government expenditure to build the President's private residence.  The ANC believes that this report will bring to closure the issue of eNkandla that has generated speculative public opinion and has been used to incorrectly attack  President , the ANC and it's government.

This report vindicates the President and our belief in the innocence of the President in this regard, on what he consistently said were lies and that he personally built his residence and that the government only built security features that are prescribed in relevant security prescripts. We call on all South Africans including those with fixed opinions on this matter to accept what is an outcome of a professional and independent report.

We also welcome the findings of irregularities in the department's supply chain with regards to the awarding of tenders. We believe that the decision of the Minister to subject the outcome of the investigation to further investigation by Special Investigations Unit, the Auditor General and South African Police Services is the correct one. We will await sift action following the secondary investigations that should favor criminal charges on the irregularities in the awarding of the tenders to undertake security renovations.

We believe that with this report, our government has proven that it is responsive and accountable as it has responded to the public opinion on the need for investigation. We commend the Minister's willingness to subject this matter to a speedy investigation.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, ANC National Spokesperson, January 27 2013

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