Public Protector visits Nkandla

Monday, August 12, 2013

Pretoria – The Office of the Public Protector Thuli Madonsela today visited President Jacob Zuma’s residence in Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal.

Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula accompanied the Public Protector as this was as per the request of the Public protector herself.

This comes after the Office of the Public Protector (OPP) had sent a request to the Office of the President to visit the President's residence in Nkandla.

The visit was an "inspection in loco," as part of the investigation by the OPP into the work done by government departments on the security upgrade of the residence.

At a meeting held with the public Protector, the Ministers of the Security Cluster informed her of the President's decision to grant such approval.

The Minister, a team of senior officials, the Public Protector and her team proceeded to Nkandla this morning and remained there until she was done with her work.

Government wants to re-iterate its commitment to cooperate with the investigation of the Public Protector.

“We also appreciate that the OPP recognises the sensitive nature of the security matters related to the residences of Heads of State.

“The Public Protector and government have agreed that the necessary care needs to be taken to ensure that security is not compromised while this inspection takes place," said Special Advisor to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mike Ramagoma. – SAnews.gov.za