Power abuse: South Africans paying for Zuma's electricity at Nkandla

A reply to a DA parliamentary question has revealed that the Department of Public Works is footing the bill for the electricity of President Zuma's private residence in Nkandla. According to the reply, this is in order to "pay for aspects related to security."

The details of how much has been spent thus far were not provided in the reply, despite it being clearly asked for. 

I will re-submit the question in the National Assembly requesting the full details. Should I not receive this information within 10 parliamentary working days - as the rules of Parliament require - I will submit an application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act for all the electricity costs and related documents.

Already South Africans have had to fork out an exorbitant R200 million to upgrade President Zuma's private residence in Nkandla. We have been told, time and time again, that this is for his "security". Yet, from cattle kraals to ‘firepools', we continue to learn of line items which have absolutely nothing to do with protecting the President.

This latest revelation is a slap in the face for so many South Africans who have yet to receive access to electricity, or who battle each month to pay their bills. Why does President Zuma at his private residence - when he already has four state-provided residences across the country - deserve this special treatment?  

The DA will not let a government clearly out of touch with the people get away with this power abuse. South Africans deserve that all those responsible are held accountable, and nothing less.

Statement issued by Anchen Dreyer, DA Shadow Minister of Public Works, January 7 2013

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