Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi has reiterated that the Security Cluster Ministers did not try to pressurise the Public Protector to stop her investigation into the Nkandla Security Project.
“It should be noted that I am on record on numerous occasions that my office and the department would cooperate with the Public Protector.
“True to this undertaking, my officials and other ministers have met the Public Protector to discuss issues pertaining to her investigation. These meetings had nothing to do with these sensational claims of trying to stop the investigation.
“The officials of the Department of Public Works and the ministry have also cooperated with the Public Protector’s Office. They handed over documents that the Public Protector wanted so that she could conduct her investigation.
“Out of the ordinary, I have also given the Public Protector the classified report into the Nkandla Security Project. This was aimed at assisting her. If these actions do not show that we are willing to cooperate with the Public Protector, then I do not know.
“On several occasions, the Public Protector’s Office has made a number of public statements about the progress of the investigation. Not once did her office allude to these so-called attempts to dissuade her from doing her constitutional duties.
“We have noted that from the beginning that certain people have tried to play politics with the Nkandla project. They are oblivious that here we are dealing with the security of the president of the country.
“Instead, they have turned this project into a political point scoring game. We cannot allow that to happen. Otherwise, we will be shirking from our responsibility. “We also know that the rate of unsubstantiated rumours seeking to discredit the government will increase because of the forthcoming general elections. Not a week will pass by without the integrity or names of the leaders in government being dragged through the mud.
“The season of casting aspersions on the country’s leadership will continue unabatedly. Critics hope that something will eventually stick. They are very desperate to score political points and will latch on whatever subject that is likely going to present them in a better light to voters. The truth becomes a casualty in this obsession of discrediting the government.
“We appeal for the sake of good governance to give the Public Protector space to do her work and wait for the report. To peddle unfounded allegations will serve no purpose at all.”
Enquiries:
Mr Phillip Masilo, Legal Advisor to the Minister
Cell: 084 580 1430
