19 December 2013
The SACP welcomes the release to the public of the report of the Government Task Team assigned to investigate matters relating to installation of security measures at the Nkandla residence of President Jacob Zuma. We also welcome the statement made in contextualising the report and the explanations given. The SACP will of course comment further once we have studied the report in detail.
The SACP particularly welcomes three aspects contained in the statement and the report. Firstly we welcome the fact that no state money was spent in constructing any part of the homestead of President Zuma.
Secondly, we welcome the affirmation that the security of the President is non-negotiable, that the state is obliged to provide security to sitting and past heads of state as well as former Deputy Presidents; and that such security is the sole responsibility of the Security Cluster in government. We also welcome the fact that none of the installations at Nkandla were made at the request of the President, and that these were based on decisions (and recommendations) taken by the Security organs of the state.
Thirdly, the SACP has consistently expressed concern about the seemingly inflated prices not only at the construction at Nkandla, but also in ministers` and other government properties. We therefore welcome the findings confirming that indeed there was inflation of prices and services and that action will be taken against the culprits.
Given what seems to be widespread corruption through collusion in both the private and public sectors, the SACP calls upon government to undertake a comprehensive investigation into price collusion in South Africa, especially in the construction and related sectors, but in our supply chain processes generally.
We call upon all our structures and the South African people in general to study this report closely so that this matter can be put to rest as soon as possible.
Released by SACP
Contact:
Alex Mashilo - Spokesperson
Mobile: 082 9200 2308
Office: 011 339 3621
Email: alexmashilo.sacp@gmail.com