Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma will respond on Wednesday to the public protector’s damning report about the R246 million worth of taxpayer-funded upgrades to his private Nkandla residence, the presidency said.
Facing a deadline to comment on Thuli Madonsela's review - which found the renovations unlawful - Zuma is expected to table the report and his response to Parliament.
“I expect this submission will be made today (on Wednesday),” presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj has said.
With just weeks to go before elections, the scathing document has prompted fury among voters and the ANC, which has criticised protector Thuli Madonsela's report and its timing.
Madonsela said the multi-million-rand works - which include a helipad, a swimming pool and a chicken coop - was excessive and ordered the president to repay some of the costs.
Zuma had 14 days to respond officially after the report's publication on March 19.
But Zuma earlier this week shifted blame for the overspending to government officials.
“They did this without telling me,” he told ANN7. “So why should I pay for something I did not ask for.” - AFP