Parliament adopts Nkandla report

Members of Parliament voted 198 for and 93 against adopting the report by the Ad Hoc Committee on Nkandla. There were no abstentions. The report endorses those of Police Minister Nathi Nhleko and Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi on the R246 million upgrades.

Earlier during the debate, committee chairperson Cedric Frolick read out the Ad-Hoc Committee's recommendations contained in its report.

"The committee thus makes the following recommendations:

"1. That executives ensure that all the necessary steps are undertaken to ensure that the safety of the head of state and his family is not compromised.

"2. That the Portfolio Committees of Public Works, Police and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence ensure the continuous monitoring and corrective actions be taken by relevant national departments.

"The committee recommends that the relevant departments and law enforcement authorities ensure the expeditious conclusion of civil, criminal and disciplinary matters," he said. 

Opposition parties took to the podium one by one and rejected the report and as expected, the ANC accepted it.

The EFF had earlier tried to stop the debate, with MP Floyd Shivambu arguing that it had taken the matter of Nkandla to the Constitutional Court.

"It would be wrong for Parliament to go ahead and discuss this issue which [as we have already filed papers] in Braamfontein at the Constitutional Court. We've already said that these things are illegal. Why do you want to insist on going ahead with a discussion which is already before the Constitutional Court," he asked. 

Deputy Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli ruled that the debate should go ahead.

(File photo: Gallo Images)