‘Nkandla thugs’ must be accountable

THE national discourse that surrounds the contemptible and scandalous misuse of taxpayers’ money with regard to President Jacob Zuma’s now infamous “security upgrades” to his private residence has to invoke our ire and disgust.

Not only has this been an insult to the integrity of all South Africans but the manner in which the ANC has chosen to defend their leader reeks of impropriety.

The visit by parliamentarians to this oasis in the midst of poverty validated that this was an epic disaster that enshrined greed, selfishness and corruptibility.

Zuma’s lieutenants are now running to deflect blame, to apportion liability to the “little ones” and to exculpate the boss man from any responsibility that might implicate him in enrichment at our expense, thereby making him repay millions back to the people – which simply cannot happen.

The Nkandla debacle has become an anathema to all things democratic and unless we, the citizens, act according to the dictates of our political and moral conscience to protect our beloved country and its future, we will revoke all the good that has been achieved by those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy the fruits of a free country.

This is no longer a matter that must be consigned to talk in lounges, pubs, kitchens and at social gatherings.

It demands that our revulsion must translate into tangible action that will rid us of those who act with impunity against the greater interests of the land and its people.

It demands that when our proxy is implored for the sake of power, that we show, in force, that enough is enough.

It demands that the miscreants and thugs whose hands dig deep into the public purse be brought to justice and made accountable without delay.

Nkandla has become a blight on our democracy. Any lassitude on our part in acting on it will be destructive and can only entail further heartache and suffering. NARENDH GANESH

Durban North