Nkandla paper being referred to protector

2013-01-28 13:34

Nkandla (Khaya Ngwenya/City Press)

Johannesburg - The Christian Democratic Party on Monday said it was referring a document on President Jacob Zuma's Nkandla home to the public protector.

"Levels of mismanagement of taxpayers’ money have become such a daily occurrence that it seems as though government believes it that it has now been let off the hook," CDP leader Theunis Botha said in a statement.

"Too many questions remain unanswered. The fact remains that far too much money was spent and covered up as supposedly security measures."

On Sunday Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi announced the findings of an investigation into the money spent on Nkandla.

He said the government spent R206m on security upgrades and consultants. Included in this amount was R135m for "operational needs", R71m for consultants and security features such as bulletproof windows, security fencing, evacuation mechanisms, and firefighting equipment, he told reporters in Pretoria.

‘R1.5bn spent’

Also included in the total was R26m to make changes to the project (variation orders).

Botha said a document about Nkandla was circulated in numerous e-mails. This was the document the CDP would refer to Public Protector Thuli Madonsela.

According to this document R1.5bn, which included the Nkandla highway, was actually spent.
Botha could not say who wrote the document.

"We feel it is vital that the public protector evaluate the validity of the claims in the e-mail, before completing the Nkandla investigation," he said.

"Accusations of such a kind have to be investigated. If what is in it [document] is true... it's very serious.

"If people are spreading rumours... they need to be brought to book on it," said Botha.

"South Africans deserve to be informed about what is really taking place."

- SAPA