DA takes Nkandla matter to court
THE DA has announced its decision to sue over the way in which the Nkandla saga had been dealt with and Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s report ignored.
The legal action centres on Police Minister Nathi Nhleko’s report on the security upgrades a day after the ANC had muscled it through the National Assembly.
The party said the step was the next in a resolute battle to force President Jacob Zuma to comply with the Public Protector’s report and repay a percentage of the millions spent on his Nkandla homestead.
“Court papers are being filed as we speak,” James Selfe, the chairman of the DA’s federal executive, said outside the Western Cape High Court.
He predicted that the first part of the case would be heard in mid-October.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane said the party would ask the court to declare that Zuma’s failure to heed a directive from Madonsela to reimburse the state was “manifestly irrational” and that it should be set aside on the grounds that it was unconstitutional and illegal.
The official opposition was also arguing that Zuma had illegally appointed a minister to determine whether he should comply with Madonsela’s findings.
“We will also submit that Minister Nhleko’s report be declared invalid by its very existence,” Maimane said.
The DA named National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete, Zuma, Nhleko and Madonsela as respondents. – ANA