/ 30 November 2013

Clarity needed from Madonsela about Nkandla report

The Freedom Front Plus wants clarity over the Nkandla report.
The Freedom Front Plus wants clarity over the Nkandla report.

"It is time that the allegations and denials surrounding the leaked Nkandla report are cleared in the interest of South Africa," FFPlus parliamentary leader Pieter Groenewald said in a statement.

Groenewald said the party wanted to know if the leaked report was the one drafted by Madonsela. "This issue, in which the country's head of state is being accused of fraud and corruption, is very serious," said Groenewald.

"This can only be resolved if [Madonsela] releases a proper and comprehensive report as soon as possible so that all may know the true state of affairs."

The Mail and Guardian reported that Madonsela's report revealed that Zuma had received substantial personal benefits from the multi-million rand upgrade to his Nkandla residence. While government had stated the upgrades were essential for Zuma's security, the paper reported that Madonsela had found a swimming pool, visitors' centre, amphitheatre, cattle kraal, marquee area, extensive paving, and new houses for relatives included in the upgrade. 

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa said there was sufficient information on Nkandla to change the mindsets of voters. "It is not necessary to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there is indeed something fishy about the development of the Nkandla," he said in a speech prepared for delivery at the party's congress meeting in Khayelitsha on Saturday.

"The balance of probability is sufficient to convince voters that the African National Congress and their leader deserve to be punished for breaking their trust." He called on the police, the Hawks and independent auditors to investigate the matter.

On Friday, the security cluster met with Madonsela regarding the Nkandla report. The ANC called for caution and restraint until the report was released. – Sapa