Zuma’s private architect may be the key

President Jacob Zuma

President Jacob Zuma

Published Nov 14, 2013

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Cape Town - Jacob Zuma’s private architect may hold the key to just how much the president knew about the construction project at his rural home.

The DA on Wednesday night demanded that Parliament investigate whether Zuma misled the nation, after it surfaced that his private architect oversaw the entire Nkandla project.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s court papers, filed on Wednesday, opposed a request by the ministers of police, state security, defence and public works for more time to comment on possible security compromises that may be in the report.

In her papers, she broke the news that Zuma’s privately appointed architect, “with no security expertise, let alone clearance”, oversaw all the upgrades at his Nkandla home.

She raised this to illustrate that it was unclear why security matters should be an issue.

Reports named the firm as Minenhle Makhanya Argitekte from Durban, alleging the company was paid R18 million.

 

This news has prompted questions on how Zuma could claim not to have known about the extent of the vast upgrade.

Cape Argus

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