New SIU head must confirm Nkandlagate investigation

The DA calls on the newly appointed head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Adv. Vasantrai Soni, to publically confirm whether the SIU will be investigating the irregular spending of more than R206 million on President Jacob Zuma's private residence at Nkandla. 

According to reports in the weekend press, despite the announcement by Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi in February this year that the SIU would be asked to investigate Nkandlagate, to date, no such investigation has commenced. 

According to the SIU's Spokesperson, Boy Ndala, the unit is "watching" the Public Protector's investigation but the matter does not fall "within the scope of our investigation into Public Works"

Adv. Soni now has an ideal opportunity to demonstrate to South Africans that he will lead the SIU in a principled and dedicated manner and not be unduly influenced by political considerations. 

Adv. Soni must tell the nation whether he will ask President Zuma to gazette a proclamation to allow for the SIU Nkandla investigation as required in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996. 

During a meeting of Parliament's portfolio committee on Public Works last month, I asked Minister Nxesi whether he was aware of the status of the required proclamation to allow for the investigation to commence. During that meeting the Minister avoided answering my question, referring me to "the person who is required to sign it" - President Zuma. The DA is awaiting a response to a written Parliamentary question to the President to ascertain the full reasons for this delay as well as when this proclamation will be tabled. 

Now is the time for Adv. Soni to also ask the President when he will receive the proclamation allowing him to commence the SIU investigation. 

This is the first test for Adv. Soni in his new position - we trust he will do the right thing so the truth about the Nkandlagate scandal can be revealed and those responsible held to account. 

As the new head of the SIU, Adv. Soni has a responsibility to do everything in his power to live up to the SIU's mandated mission of fighting corruption through quality investigation, wherever it may occur.   

Statement issued by Anchen Dreyer MP, DA Shadow Minister of Public Works, September 2 2013

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