DA to initiate Zuma impeachment

Cape Town - The DA is set to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Jacob Zuma.

The party welcomed the findings of Public Protector Thuli Madonsela -released on Wednesday - that Zuma and his family had unduly benefited from the upgrades to his Nkandla private residence.

"Given these damning findings, I will submit a formal request to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Max Sisulu, to recall the National Assembly as a matter of urgency to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Zuma in terms of Section 89 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa," DA Parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko said in a statement.

"Impeachment is the correct course of action for this flagrant abuse of public money."

The party noted that there was no precedent for the impeachment process.

"It refers to the power the National Assembly holds, in terms of Section 89 of the Constitution, to remove a president from office if he has acted in 'serious violation of the Constitution or law', or is believed to have committed 'serious misconduct'," Mazibuko said.

"It is a fitting sanction for a president who abuses his office for personal gain."

The party expected the ANC to block the process from going forward.

Madonsela released her report earlier on Wednesday while briefing reporters.

Government was expected to host a media briefing at 15:00, while the ANC would host one at 16:30.