Nkandla submission: Zuma's latest excuse doesn't sell

18 July 2014

The DA has today received a response from the acting Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Lechesa Tsenoli MP, following my letter to Ms Mbete requesting clarity on what steps would be taken by Parliament to ensure President Zuma submitted his response to the Public Protector's Nkandla Report immediately (see below). 

Mr Tsenoli has noted that he has received a letter from the President, included in Parliament's Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports (ATC) document today. The President has now made the fact that he was abroad the reason for his delay, and he has committed to submitting the final report upon his return.  

This is completely bizarre. It is neither an excuse, nor can it be accepted in any way.

The President returned from Brazil yesterday, and is currently in the Eastern Cape attending a Mandela Day event. What is he still waiting for?

To any extent, the President was well aware of the deadline, which he set himself, and surely he was equally aware of his travelling schedule. If he had taken this seriously, he would have submitted it in advance of his travels to Brazil.

It is indeed reflective of how the President views both Parliament and the Office of the Public Protector. This report should receive top priority in his office.

It is equally worrying that Mr Tsenoli in is reply to me failed to mention what steps will be taken to ensure that this submission is timeously submitted to the Speaker.

I will therefore again request clarity on this point in particular, and make it clear that Parliament cannot accept these invalid excuses which delay accountability on a matter of public importance.  

To do so, would be party to what is increasingly a stalling tactic by President Zuma to avoid being made to answer for this abuse of public money.

Text of the letter from Lech Tsenoli MP, Acting Speaker of the National Assembly to James Selfe MP, July 17 2014:

17 July 2014

Mr J Selfe MP

POBOX 15

CAPE TOWN 8000

Dear Mr Selfe

ENQUIRY ABOUT SUBMISSION OF REPORT ON SECURITY UPGRADES AT PRESIDENT'S RESIDENCE

Thank you for your letter to the Speaker dated 16 July 2014 in which you asked whether the

President had submitted the final report on the security upgrades at his residence at Nkandla as he had intended to do according to in his letter published in the ATC on 10 June 2014.

An announcement will be made on the ATC today that a letter has been received, indicating that the President is abroad at present, so he will only be in a position to submit the final report on this matter soon after his return.

In light of the above information, your second question falls away.

Yours faithfully

Lech Tsenoli MP

Acting Speaker of the National Assembly

Statement issued by James Selfe MP, Chairperson of the DA's Federal Executive, July 19 2014

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