INSPECTION TOUR: Journalists were taken on a tour of President Jacob Zuma's private home in Nkandla, where they were shown the retaining wall referred to as an amphitheatre. Photo: Elmond Jiyane, GCIS INSPECTION TOUR: Journalists were taken on a tour of President Jacob Zuma's private home in Nkandla, where they were shown the retaining wall referred to as an amphitheatre. Photo: Elmond Jiyane, GCIS
Siyabonga Mkhwanazi
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma is once again expected to be let off the hook by Parliament when the ad hoc committee, charged with probing massive spending at his Nkandla home, finalises its report this week before tabling it in the National Assembly for adoption on Friday.
All indications from the ad hoc committee, dominated by the ANC’s majority, were that Zuma would be absolved of any responsibility. This has left Public Protector Thuli Madonsela frustrated after she was refused a hearing by the ad hoc committee.
Madonsela has subsequently called a press conference today to tell her side of the story to the public.
By the time the committee convenes on Tuesday, it’s possible Madonsela would have explained to the public how MPs got it wrong.
ANC MPs have been sticking to their guns during the entire Nkandla debacle, saying Madonsela would not add value to what they had seen in Nkandla and as well as the oral evidence by top politicians in government.
This was despite opposition parties calling for the ANC to back down and allow Madonsela to give her side of the story. The opposition further said Madonsela was savaged by the ANC without being given an opportunity to defend herself.
The DA, IFP and FF Plus said the ANC was abusing its majority by refusing Madonsela a platform to state her case.
The ANC has argued that Zuma was not to blame for the massive spending at his house, but it accused contractors and government officials of plundering the state of millions.
When the committee concluded the first part of its business last week, it said it would meet again this week to table the first draft of its report.
It made it clear that it was racing against time to conclude its final report before tabling to the House for adoption on Friday.
Parliament had given the committee until August 7 to conclude its work. The completion of the report happens as Zuma is to appear before Parliament on Thursday to answer oral questions.
One of the questions is from the EFF on when the president will pay back the money. This question has caused consternation among MPs and led to chaos on three occasions in Parliament, starting exactly a year ago.
In a pre-emptive strike, Parliament passed a rule that would allow its protection officers to forcibly eject rowdy MPs. The approval of this rule last week was interpreted as a measure to counter the EFF on Thursday.