Critics of the expenditure at President Jacob Zuma’s private Nkandla home must prove that the upgrades were not inspired by security needs, Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko said on Tuesday.
“What I do know is that it’s important to continue with this conversation on this particular matter because the issue has been spoken about quite a lot.
“When the public protector released her report, some of these things were also baffling to me. I was not in this portfolio that I occupy today,” Nhleko said at the National Press Club in Pretoria.
“For instance, the questions were ‘how does a swimming pool become a security-related matter? How can you have an entertainment place (the amphitheatre) around your place and call it security related?’ Those were the baffling questions for me. It took me getting closer to the issue to try and understand where this thing comes (from).”
He addressed journalists on his report that followed Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s investigation, which found that Zuma must pay back funds spent on non-security installations at his Nkandla property in KwaZulu-Natal.
“There has been quite a lot of talk, but I don’t think we understand the issues at a much closer range. Let’s talk on the basis of facts.
“If you say the visitors lounge is not a security feature, present evidence before me to prove that indeed it is not,” said Nhleko.
“If you say the animal enclosure with the culvert and everything else was constructed but not influenced by security considerations, you have to present your work around that.”
Nhleko also said the media and some opposition parties were peddling incorrect figures on the Nkandla expenditure.
“There has been a number of speculations on the amount that was utilised for security upgrades. According to the chief financial officer of the Department of Public Works, as at November 2012 the amount stood at R206 420 644.
“As at August 2014, the figure was no longer R206 million but it became R216m,” said Nhleko.
“According to the media and some opposition parties, the prestige project, as we call it, cost R246 million. This was carried widely across various media lines. Media24 even suggested that the figure went up to R247m.”
Nhleko said the cost for security features installation amounted to R71m. He said more than R20m was paid to consultants and R135m was paid for construction of military and police staff quarters and a clinic.
Nhleko’s much-awaited report, released in May, concluded that the pool, as well as a kraal, amphitheatre and visitors’ centre were all essential for the president’s security.
According to Nhleko, Zuma does not have to repay the state a cent for the millions of rand used in the upgrades to his home. – ANA