President Zuma's role in R1billion Masibambisane project must be investigated

I will today write to the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Mr Themba Godi MP, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations, Mr Eliot Sogoni MP, and the Auditor General, Terence Nombembe, to request that they initiate an urgent investigation into the allocation of nearly R1 billion to a project spear-headed by Masibambisane, an NGO chaired by President Jacob Zuma.

According to reports today, a food security programme to be ‘coordinated' by Masibambisane, will be allocated R895 million from various national and provincial departments. There appears to be no tender for this project nor any explanation provided for why Masibambisane must act as a middle-man, where the already exists a Zero-hunger Campaign project in the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (see City Press report).

Of particular concern, are the allegations that President Zuma was intricately involved in ensuring that Masibambisane, in which he, and his cousin, Mr Mzobe, have a clear interest, was awarded this project.

This is yet another example of a President who is determined to use his political leverage to abuse public funds and flout set government procedures.

Almost a year ago, a similar expose brought to the public's knowledge the R2 billion ‘Zumaville' project. The creation of a new town, just 3,2km from the President's private residence in Nkandla, was also spear-headed by President Zuma's Masibambisane.

It also follows recent revelations by the Mail and Guardian that President Jacob Zuma was aware, and played an active role in the ‘security' upgrade of his private residence in Nkandla, and that numerous irregular processes were followed in order to ensure that the project was sped up and completed within the time the ‘principal' expected.  

Public money should be used to improve service delivery, grow the economy and create an environment conducive to job creation and poverty alleviation. It is clear that President Zuma remains more concerned with his own interests, than doing what is right.

This project, and the President's role in it, must now be fully investigated. The DA will do everything possible to ensure that there is accountability for any wrong-doing.

Statement issued by Dion George MP, DA Representative on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, July 14 2013

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