Nkandla: DA to see how the other half lives

While politicians visit the controversial palatial homestead on Wednesday‚ a Democratic Alliance (DA) delegation “will conduct an alternative oversight visit to the towns and villages in and around Nkandla where ordinary residents live”.

The ad-hoc committee on Nkandla‚ which met in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday‚ are due to visit President Jacob Zuma’s home so members of parliament can see for themselves upgrades that police minister Nathi Nhleko has insisted are “security features”.

The alternative DA delegation will include party spokesperson Phumzile Van Damme and parliamentary chief whip John Steenhuisen as well as top provincial office bearers.

“The DA delegation will assess the standard of living of those in Nkandla who lead ordinary lives‚ in contrast to the palatial and extravagant private home of President Zuma that the Nkandla ad-hoc committee members will be overseeing at the same time‚” a party statement read.

“The DA delegation will also conduct oversight of the R135-million (South African National Defence Force) housing project built to house soldiers stationed at President Zuma’s home.”