South African prelate laments excessive spending by nation’s president

April 04, 2014

Amid reports that President Jacob Zuma of South Africa improperly spent $23 million in public funds on improvements to his residence, the head of the regional episcopal conference said that “we respectfully remind the president that millions of our people continue to live in poverty and that many lack even rudimentary housing or shelter.”

“Mr. Zuma must tell the nation now, not in June, how and when he plans to pay back the costs of items such as the swimming pool, the chicken run and others that have nothing to do with security,” added Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

 

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Further information:

• Press Release on President Zuma’s Response to the Public Protector’s Report (SACBC, 4/3)
• South African opposition says Zuma ducking graft report (Reuters)