Presidential Handbook to see light of day

THE CONTROVERSIAL Presidential Handbook – a document which, among other things, sets out guidelines regarding Presidency members’ social expenditure and private holidays at taxpayers’ expense – is to be released by no later than November 30.

That’s according to an order issued by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria yesterday following an application by AfriForum that the government had to hand over the document. The handbook has been in draft form for almost eight years.

In particular, AfriForum wanted those parts dealing with travel benefits, private holidays and the use of the presidential aircraft for the president and his deputy’s private holidays.

AfriForum requested a copy of the manual in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, but the request was denied. The government said at the time the manual and procedures formed part of confidential cabinet records.

Judge Roland Sutherland is holding the Presidency to its word that a copy of the handbook would be published once finalised. Counsel acting for the government told the court the handbook was “on the brink of completion”.

During the application, the government said it would consent to an order granting AfriForum access to the document within 14 days of its approval by the cabinet.

If it did not honour its word by the end of the month, AfriForum could again turn to court to force it to release the document.

Judge Sutherland was told the government also agreed to publish the handbook by the end of the month and that if it

Judge gives

hand the document to it.

But the judge chose to rather hold the Presidency to its word. He said when it published the document by the end of the month, it had to furnish AfriForum with a copy.

He gave AfriForum permission to approach the court with a contempt of court application if this did not happen. The judge ordered the government to foot AfriForum’s legal bill.

In 2012 AfriForum asked the government to hand over a copy of the Presidential Handbook. This request was sparked by then- deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe’s R2 million holiday in the Seychelles, courtesy of the taxpayer.

President Jacob Zuma subsequently enjoyed a R1.6m holiday on Bazaruto Island, for which the public had to pay.

AfriForum wanted to establish the rules for members of the Presidency’s private holidays at state expense, and was told at the time that the rules were contained in the Presidential Handbook. But when asked for the handbook, the government said it was still in draft form and that the procedures followed in arranging private travel and entertainment expenses were regulated by way of cabinet policy.

AfriForum then asked the court to compel the government to hand over a copy of the policy considerations. But Judge Sutherland refused this. He said AfriForum initially asked for a copy of the Presidential Handbook and the second request was too wide.

Werner Human, of AfriForum, said while they did not get everything they asked for, they were delighted the handbook would at least see the public light.