Pretoria - The presidency has reacted to Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's report on upgrades to President Jacob Zuma's Nkandla home, saying it would be used as an added tool to address claims of maladministration.
It noted in a statement that Zuma directed the Special Investigating Unit in December to probe alleged maladministration in the security upgrades at Nkandla.
He had also appointed an inter-ministerial task team to look into the matter.
“In this context, the Public Protector's report will be an additional tool which will fall under the consideration of President Zuma in addressing allegations of maladministration.”
In her report released earlier in the day, Madonsela's found that Zuma and his family had unduly benefited from the upgrades to Nkandla.
The presidency said Zuma “has consistently been concerned about the allegations of impropriety around procurement in the Nkandla project”.
Zuma would study the findings and recommendations of the public protector in the context of the existing government interventions.
“(He) will communicate his response in due course.”
The presidency said Chapter 9 Institutions, such as the Pulblic Protector, were vital for strengthening democracy.
“President Zuma reaffirms the important role of the Chapter 9
institutions and emphasises that the country should take pride in their existence, as we celebrate 20 years of freedom and democracy and guard against the abuse and misuse of these institutions.”
Sapa