Daily Sun (March 20 2014) - OVER and over, Thuli Madonsela used words like unethical, maladministration, unlawful and improper conduct as she read her report.
Among her many damning findings she reported that the president has unduly benefited from the millions used to build his house.
SHE SAID PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA MUST PAY BACK MONEY SPENT AT NKANDLA.
Madonsela said that many of the buildings, including the visitors' centre, cattle kraal, chicken run, swimming pool and amphitheatre were not security structures.
"The president and his family clearly benefited from this," she said.
"These additions had resulted in excessive expenditure.
"The substantial value being unduly added constituted unlawful and improper conduct and maladministration."
The findings are contained in a report entitled "Secure in Comfort" released by her in Tshwane yesterday. The report investigates allegations regarding the conduct of the president relating to security and other measures at Nkandla.
Madonsela said the president knew what was happening at the property in KZN and benefited from the enormous capital investment.
But Madonsela found Zuma violated the Executive Ethics Code and that his conduct was inconsistent with his office as a member of Cabinet.
"Zuma should have asked questions about the scale, costs and affordability of security upgrades," Madonsela stated.
It was found that Zuma's architect, Minenhle Makhanya, made R16,5 million from the project.
She said the president, along with the National Treasury and SAPS, must determine the reasonable cost of the measures implemented by the
Department of Public Works.
Mandonsela found that funds were relocated from the inner city regeneration and the dolomite risk management programmes.
According to Madonsela, when phase three has been implemented the project will cost more than R246 million.
Mandonsela has given Zuma 14 days to report to the National Assembly on his comment and action to be taken on her findings.
- The DA's Lindiwe Mazibuko said she would submit a formal request to Max Sisulu, the Speaker of the National Assembly, to recall the National Assembly and initiate impeachment proceedings against President Zuma.
The DA announced it would lay criminal charges against President Zuma at the Nkandla Police Station today at 11am.
- Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota said he wants Zuma to "have his day in court" to account for his actions.
- The presidency noted that Zuma directed the Special Investigating Unit in December to probe alleged maladministration in security upgrades at Nkandla.
He had also appointed an inter-ministerial task team to look into the matter.
"In this context, the Public Protector's report will be an additional tool which will fall under the consideration of President Zuma in addressing allegations of maladministration."
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