Court test looms over Nkandla 'whitewash'

The man he appointed as his latest Police Minister a year ago has cleared President Jacob Zuma of any liability for the misuse of state funds to upgrade his private home, shooting down the Public Protector’s recommendation that he should repay some of the money, notes Legalbrief. However, the Police Ministry report submitted to Parliament yesterday by Minister Nathi Nhleko, which blamed inflated contracts and government officials for the high costs of renovations, is almost certain to be challenged in the courts (see reports below). The report found that all upgrades to Zuma’s home were security upgrades – including a swimming pool, cattle enclosure, amphitheatre and chicken run – it said, according to a Mail & Guardian report. It also said Zuma’s rights had been infringed. ‘Never in SA’s history or anywhere else in the world has a President’s private residence been subjected to such intense public scrutiny,’ according to the Ministry’s report. ‘Therefore, the President and his family’s rights have been violated. The State President is not liable to pay anything.’ The report notes Zuma (72) has faced a public backlash since Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said in a report in March last year that he unfairly benefited from the use of state funds to renovate his home at Nkandla. Zuma appointed Nhleko to probe whether he should repay any of the R246m that was spent. Zuma has repeatedly denied ordering the security makeover. The next step is the setting up of a multi-party ad-hoc committee in Parliament to scrutinise the report.