President Zuma's Nkandla reply undermines Public Protector's findings
14 August 2014
In his response to the Public Protector's Report, which was finally submitted to Parliament this afternoon, President Zuma has attempted to avoid accountability for his role in the Nkandlagate scandal.
Not only does his response undermine the Public Protector's findings, but it is also an attempt by the President to act as both judge and jury on this matter.
By requiring the Minister of Police, Nathi Nhleko, who reports to President Zuma himself, to make a determination of the amount owed, despite the Public Protector already finding that President owes "a reasonable percentage of the cost" is blatantly scandalous.
It is also unclear whether he has in fact "reprimanded" the ministers involved for the appalling manner in which state funds were abused, as recommended by the Public Protector.
The failure to act on these recommendations may be unconstitutional. Indeed, in terms of Section 181 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic, all organs of state, including the Presidency, are enjoined: "to assist and protect [Chapter Nine] institutions to ensure the independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness of these institutions."
Furthermore, the Public Protector has the power, in terms of Section 182 (1)(c) to take "appropriate remedial action".
The DA will not allow the President to get away scot-free. We therefore call on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, to urgently announce the formation of an ad hoc committee to consider the Public Protector's report, as well as this unsuitable reply. We will demand that the President come and explain himself before the committee, and give evidence.
It is time, once and for all, to ensure that all those responsible - including President Zuma - are made to answer for their involvement in this abhorrent abuse of public funds.
Statement issued by Mmusi Maimane MP, DA Parliamentary Leader, August 14 2014
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