Upgrades were done cowboy-style: Madonsela

Madonsela was speaking at a public discussion on the findings and implications of the Nkandla report, hosted by the university and EyeWitness News. The panel, chaired by the university’s vice-chancellor and principal, Prof. Adam Habib included head of Corruption Watch David Lewis and University of Johannesburg’s Prof. Steven Freedman.

Madonsella began her address with an analogy of a book she read in high school, Animal Farm by George Orwell, which tells a story of animals which had revolted against their oppressive farmer and were chased off the farm. The animals decided to govern and create their own rules, and one of their most important commandments was ‘All animals are equal.’

The pigs which had led the rebellion, elevated themselves to positions of leadership. After a while the pigs started to resemble humans, walking upright and wearing clothes. The previously adopted seven commandments were abridged to ‘All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.’

Madonsela found that Zuma should have asked questions about the costs, scale and affordability of the security upgrades which could end up costing the taxpayer R240 million. Zuma’s family also unduly benefited from the upgrades, it was found.

The investigation did not go as far as checking phone and bank records of the people involved, something which could have potentially revealed more irregularities.

The ANC had responded to the report with secretary general, Gwede Mantashe saying it would not apologise because, “The ANC does not have a house called Nkandla. It has a house called Chief Albert Luthuli.” The ANC Youth League also weighed in and called for Madonsela to resign. The ANC reprimanded the league for this. The Public Protector serves a seven year non-renewable term of office and is appointed by the president on Parliament’s recommendation.

The DA and EFF have since laid criminal charges against Zuma following the report. The ANC has dismissed this as cheap politicking.