Treasury optimistic about Nkandla costing deadline

Amidst inflation, rate announcements and the Minister of Finance’s “arrest”, the country is still awaiting to hear the cost determination from Treasury, regarding Nkandla.

“The Constitutional Court ruled on 31 March 2016 that: “The National Treasury must determine a reasonable percentage of the costs of those measures which ought to be paid personally by the President and report back to this Court on the outcome of its determination within 60 days of the date of this order,” said Treasury.

In a release, issued yesterday, Treasury said it was optimistic that it would meet the 28 June 2016 deadline.

“The National Treasury’s work to give effect to the Constitutional Court order regarding the Presidential homestead in Nkandla is progressing well and the department will be able to meet the deadline,” added Treasury.

They further clarified that the ‘cited 60 days’ as per the Constitutional Court order, referred to court days only. Therefore weekends and holidays are excluded.

The ruling further stated that President Zuma was to make payment 45 days after the Treasury deadline.

“The National Treasury has concluded several steps and the assessment and final report will be submitted to the Constitutional Court in due course. A detailed account of the work that has been undertaken, including the methodology followed will be made public at an appropriate time,” Treasury remarked.