ANC attack on Beeld Editor won't make Nkandlagate questions disappear

19 August 2014

The ANC's attack on Beeld Editor, Adriaan Basson, is the latest instalment in a series of desperate attempts to duck accountability on the Nkandlagate saga. It is an equally sad bid to deflect attention from the President's hopelessly inadequate response to Parliament and the intended re-establishment of a toothless ad hoc Committee on the matter.

ANC Spokesperson Zizi Kodwa's response to Basson's editorial, titled "How to get rid of Zuma", betrays the governing party's discomfort with an editorial opinion that does not mirror the opinions of Luthuli House.

The hysterical response to Basson's opinion piece highlights the ANC's insecurity and inability to rationally explain the lavish upgrades to the President's private home. The free and independent media is a watchdog against government abuse, not a lapdog that protects to from scrutiny. 

After exhausting all other delay-tactics and having run out of scapegoats and straw men, the ANC seems to think attacking freedom of expression and the media will divert the public's attention from the real questions about the R400 million Nkandla bill.

The DA will persist in our bid to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the entire Nkandla saga takes place. 

The DA will therefore propose amendments in the National Assembly this afternoon to the motion that will establish the ad hoc Committee to decisively broaden its mandate.

The ANC must focus its attacks on the scourge of corruption, maladministration and abuse of power, and let the free and independent media play its rightful role in supporting, advancing and promoting democracy.

Statement issued by Marius Redelinghuys MP, DA National Spokesperson, August 19 2014

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