The DA calls on the Public Protector to investigate Zuma's alleged abuse of power to enrich his nephew

19 May 2014

The DA calls on Public Protector, Adv. Thuli Madonsela, to investigate Presdident Jacob Zuma's nephew, Khulubuse Zuma, and whether or not President Zuma ignored a clear conflict of interest and abused his power to improperly secure private business deals for his nephew.

Recent allegations suggest that in 2009, President Zuma negotiated on behalf of his nephew to secure a stake in oilfields worth R100 billion in the Democratic Republic of Congo in exchange for South Africa's security assistance and expertise in the field of hydroelectric power. Furthermore, in 2010, President Zuma helped to secure an investment deal to the tune of R13 million for his nephew's controversial mining company, Aurora Empowerment Systems (see City Press report here and M&G report here).

These abuses of President Zuma's position and powers are added to the laundry list of scandals that have marred his term in office. President Zuma continues to abuse state power for his own enrichment and that of his family. 

In the present cases involving President Zuma's nephew, the DA contends that the Public Protector should investigate whether President Zuma violated Paragraph 2(b) of the Executive Ethics Act by:

(iii) exposing himself to any situation involving the risk of a conflict between his official responsibilities and his private interests; 

(iv) using his position or any information entrusted to him, to enrich himself or improperly benefit any other person; and

(v) acting in a way that may compromise the credibility or integrity of his office or of the government.

At a time when South Africa needs clean governance to facilitate economic growth, President Zuma, with his growing list of scandals, is not fit to hold office for another term.

The DA will not stand by and let this list grow any further. We trust that the Public Protector will take swift action and begin an investigation as soon as possible.

A message must be sent to all South Africans that corruption and maladministration have no place in our government. 

Statement issued by James Selfe MP, Chairperson of DA Federal Executive, May 19 2014

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