All systems go for parliamentary probe into Nkandla

There has been a two-day stand-off with the Speaker and his spokesperson refusing to confirm the establishment of a parliamentary committee to investigate Nkandla. People’s Assembly does not understand this coyness as parliamentary papers announced this committee today as a fait accompli.

The Speaker of Parliament announced the appointment of the ad hoc committee to consider the submissions by the President of the Republic of South Africa in response to the Public Protector’s Report and make recommendations. This was done after consultation with the Chief Whip of the Majority Party and senior whips of the other parties.

The committee will consist of 12 members - ANC 7, DA 2, Cope 1, IFP 1 and other parties 1 and is expected to report no later than 30 April 2014. This gives the committee 13 working days to conclude its work!

The Public Protector’s Report found that Zuma improperly benefited from upgrades, which included a swimming pool, a cattle kraal and an amphitheatre. Madonsela recommended that a percentage of the money be repaid. The report also found that Zuma had violated the Executive Members' Ethics Act. Responding to the report last week, President Zuma said he was waiting to see the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report before commenting in more detail.

Since two days ago, there had been reports about the formation of the Committee, with Beeld quoting Watty Watson (DA Chief Whip) and Corné Mulder (FF Plus Chief Whip) confirming that Sisulu had been in contact with opposition parties to discuss the matter and that the committee would be formed.

Reacting to the speculation, Parliament Spokesman Luzuko Jacobs had been non-committal and said that ‘the story that is doing the rounds now is sourced from political parties commenting, not from Parliament… Our official position is to say we will make an announcement if there are developments in that respect.”

It is not clear when the Committee is expected to begin its work but it would have to be soon given its short lifespan and the upcoming public holidays!