The DA's planned visit to Nkandla is mischievous

03 November 2012

The reported visit by the Democratic Alliance (DA) refers.

The Presidency received a letter from an official of the DA advising that the leader of the DA proposed to deliver letters from Limpopo learners to the President at his Nkandla residence on 4 November 2012. The Director General in the Presidency advised the DA that they were welcome to deliver any communication to the Presidency at his offices at Union Buildings, Pretoria, or Tuynhuys, Cape Town, where the offices of the President of the RSA are located. To this end, he advised the DA to make suitable arrangements with his office.

The Presidency notes that since then the DA has informed the media that a delegation of their leadership proposes to visit Nkandla to inspect the upgrade to the President's residence and the area.

The Presidency is and has always been steadfast in its commitment to maintaining courteous and constructive working relations with all political parties.

In this instance regrettably the Presidency is left with the impression that the DA's conduct smacks of a disingenuous publicity gimmick.

We reiterate that the DA should deliver any communication they wish to send to the President's offices and not his residence, otherwise their motives remain highly questionable and mischievous.

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, November 4 2012

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