The Democratic Alliance is to request the Public Protector to investigate reports in the media that former presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj received housing for five years in the Cabinet compound at taxpayers’ expense.
DA national spokesperson Phumzile Van Damme‚ who said she would be writing to the Public Protector Thuli Madonsela on Monday to request the probe‚ said the Bryntirion housing estate was for the use of Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
"The fact that special privileges has been afforded to a close Presidential staffer points to a flagrant abuse of public resources‚ which should have been spent on providing basic services for those most in need‚" she asserted.
Van Damme added that the DA would be submitting written questions to both President Jacob Zuma and the Minister of Public Works‚ Thulas Nxesi‚ to seek further clarity as to:
•What the total cost for Mr Maharaj’s stay in the Ministerial Compound was;
•Whether Mr Maharaj was expected to make any contribution towards his stay at the compound;
•Whether reports that Mr Maharaj – who earned more than R2 million a year – had access to free cleaning and a personal driver were true; and what amount such expenses accrued to.
•Whether the current Presidential Spokesperson was enjoying the same privileges; and
•Whether any other staff members had been afforded such privileges‚ and on whose request.
"Mr Maharaj should break his silence immediately and provide South Africans with explanation as to these very serious allegations. He should also be prepared to explain whether he will take steps to pay back the money he now owes South Africans.
"It is unacceptable that a senior‚ close ally of the President receives such privileges‚ when so many South Africans live without access to proper shelter and services. Mr Maharaj should be ashamed‚" Van Damme asserted.
She added that the DA was determined to ensure that this matter was properly investigated and that "all those responsible for this abuse of power and public money are held to account".
DA to request probe into Maharaj’s 'ministerial stay'
DA national spokesperson Phumzile Van Damme‚ who said she would be writing to the Public Protector Thuli Madonsela on Monday to request the probe‚ said the Bryntirion housing estate was for the use of Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
"The fact that special privileges has been afforded to a close Presidential staffer points to a flagrant abuse of public resources‚ which should have been spent on providing basic services for those most in need‚" she asserted.
Van Damme added that the DA would be submitting written questions to both President Jacob Zuma and the Minister of Public Works‚ Thulas Nxesi‚ to seek further clarity as to:
•What the total cost for Mr Maharaj’s stay in the Ministerial Compound was;
•Whether Mr Maharaj was expected to make any contribution towards his stay at the compound;
•Whether reports that Mr Maharaj – who earned more than R2 million a year – had access to free cleaning and a personal driver were true; and what amount such expenses accrued to.
•Whether the current Presidential Spokesperson was enjoying the same privileges; and
•Whether any other staff members had been afforded such privileges‚ and on whose request.
"Mr Maharaj should break his silence immediately and provide South Africans with explanation as to these very serious allegations. He should also be prepared to explain whether he will take steps to pay back the money he now owes South Africans.
"It is unacceptable that a senior‚ close ally of the President receives such privileges‚ when so many South Africans live without access to proper shelter and services. Mr Maharaj should be ashamed‚" Van Damme asserted.
She added that the DA was determined to ensure that this matter was properly investigated and that "all those responsible for this abuse of power and public money are held to account".
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