Time up for Nkandla

THE EFF and DA have finally decided to allow the courts to adjudicate on the never-ending saga involving misuse of taxpayers’ money at Nkandla. Perhaps the courts will bring finality after all the facts are considered independently.

Although the tenacious Thuli Madonsela has stated in her report that the president needs to pay back some money on the non-security upgrades, her findings were dismissed. This can be construed as a serious indictment on the independence of our Chapter 9 institutions. The Nhleko report has not been taken seriously by any party, except the ANC.

Ministers in government owe their allegiance to Jacob Zuma. He appoints them to the high-ranking positions they hold. Therefore, ministers Nathi Nhleko and Thulas Nxesi, among others, have to be pro-government – immediately compromising the independence of any investigation. If any minister deviates from the government’s rhetoric, he or she gets purged. It does not make sense to be a referee and player in a match.

Our courts and Chapter 9 institutions are the only bastions of hope to uphold our constitution. Recently, the judiciary has come under attack by Minister Blade Nzimande when he stated that too many cases were going against government. In a press interview, Madonsela said her office has been deliberately marginalised in respect of funding since the release of the report on Nkandla. These incidents will jeopardise democracy.

Our courts need to finally put the Nkandla scandal to bed. The time and effort dedicated to a single person’s home has probably cost more the upgrades at Nkandla itself. The same effort could have been used to enhance the quality of live of the millions of people yearning for basic needs.