/ 31 October 2012

Parliament watchdog to question Nkandla upgrades

Parliament's public accounts watchdog committee
Parliament's public accounts watchdog committee

Parliament's public accounts watchdog committee Scopa will question the public works department on the upgrade of President Jacob Zuma's private home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal.

Standing Committee on Public Accounts chairperson Themba Godi reportedly told the Citizen newspaper that the Democratic Alliance requested that Scopa investigate the Nkandla expenditure.

"We are not going to launch a separate investigation," he told the newspaper.

"We will inquire about the Nkandla project when the department of public works present its financial report to the committee."

Godi added a date for the briefing would be confirmed on Wednesday.

DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko said the party would closely monitor the preliminary investigation and ensure all the details related to the upgrade of Zuma's personal home were brought before the committee by the department.

"The DA will ensure that Scopa does not abdicate its responsibilities to investigate fully the Nkandla upgrade," Mazibuko told the Citizen.

"While the first step towards doing so, we cannot allow the preliminary investigation to be used as a mechanism by the [ANC] to block or delay a full investigation by Parliament."

Mazibuko said Godi must follow thorough with his commitment as the chairperson of Parliament's watchdog.

Reports have estimated the cost of the work to be between R203-million and R238-million. Zuma would reportedly pay only 5% of the bill – around R10-million. – Sapa