President Jacob Zuma won’t be paying back the money

JOBURG – Police Minister Nathi Nhleko says President Jacob Zuma is not liable to pay any cost associated to the security upgrade of his Nkandla home.

President Jacob Zuma will not pay back any money that was used for his Nkandla home security upgrade.

Police Minister Nathi Nhleko announced on 28 May that President Jacob Zuma is not liable to pay back any money for his Nkandla security upgrades.

Nhleko said investigation revealed that certain elements needed to be urgently upgraded and fixed.

“No public funds were used to upgrade the private residence of the President, with the exception of specific features which were listed as questionable, namely the swimming pool, new kraal, visitors’ centre and the amphitheatre,” said Nhleko.

He announced that the fire pool was the most important security feature and the animal enclosure and chicken run were critical security components.

However, his report disputed that of the Public Protector Thuli Madonsela.

In her report on Nkandla‚ the Public Protector found that Zuma had enjoyed excessive benefits from non-security-related upgrades and suggested that he pay back a reasonable portion of the costs.

Meanwhile Cope commented that the Nkandla announcement did not shock them.

“We knew all along that these ministers will do everything in their power to exonerate the President and make futile the findings and recommendations of the Public Protector,” said Cope spokesperson Dennis Bloem.

“We have continuously said all along that this Government, led by the President, does not have any respect for the Constitution of the country.

“The Minister of Police is using a simple ruse. Confuse the real issue with a plethora of details to build an overwhelming case to exonerate the President,” Bloem said.