EFF court threat to Zuma over Nkandla

IN A DISORDERLY sitting yesterday, President Jacob Zuma and Speaker Baleka Mbete regained control of Parliament after seeing through three hours of rigorous questions fired at Zuma without any MPs being ejected.

Despite Parliament finishing its business yesterday, EFF leader Julius Malema made the clearest indication yet that the EFF will take Zuma to court if necessary on paying back the Nkandla money.

It was the first time the EFF leader had publicly indicated his willingness to challenge Zuma in court on the Nkandla debacle.

This was after Zuma had kept referring to processes under way in Parliament and the courts before committing himself to paying back the money. “It is clear, Mr President, we won’t get the answer, let us meet in court,” declared Malema at the end of the session.

Several opposition MPs had asked Zuma what would happen in the light of Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s findings that he must pay back a portion of the money spent on the upgrades to his house.

But an adamant Zuma said he would not say anything on the matter as there were processes still unfolding in Parliament.

In fact, the ad hoc committee on Nkandla is today expected to adopt the Nkandla report following the visit by MPs to Zuma’s house.

When responding to the initial question of Malema, Zuma said he did not want to jump the gun.

“The matter relating to the security upgrades in Nkandla is being discussed by Parliament through the ad hoc committee on the Police Minister’s (Nathi Nhleko) report,” said Zuma.

“I have also responded to Parliament on this matter before.

“I submitted a report to the Speaker in August last year.

“I believe this question is premature as matters have not yet been concluded by this very House. I will respond further to the debate around this matter once all processes have been concluded.” Zuma gave no hint about whether he was prepared to challenge the public protector’s report in court.

This followed a proposal by the leader of the UDM, Bantu Holomisa, about whether he was contemplating a court application because he was not happy with Madonsela’s findings. Yesterday’s proceedings were a replica of past events where EFF MPs caused disorder in the Chamber through countless points of order and interjections. The difference this time round was that no one was thrown out of the House.

Insults flew in the House as well as accusations and counter-accusations that the DA has colluded with the ANC to put in trained police officers to eject the EFF.

Members of the EFF said the DA had agreed to the new rules that allowed the Speaker to call in protection officers from Parliament.