Zuma releases report on his home upgrade
What you need to know:
- In his report, President Zuma urged the Minister of Police, Nkosinathi Nhleko to expedite the review of the legislation which was implemented in the security upgrades.
- According to the report, the budget for security upgrade project was not included in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the financial period 2010-2013.
JOHANNESBURG, Sunday
South African President Jacob Zuma has submitted a report regarding the security upgrades of his private residence in Nkandla to the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete.
In December 2012, the State paid R206 420 644.28 (Sh1.7bn) towards the security upgrade of the President’s private property.
This promoted the Public Protector Thuli Madonsela to launch an investigation into allegations of “impropriety and unethical conduct” relating to the upgrade.
Following the investigation, the Public Protector confirmed that the President and his family improperly benefited from the expenditures.
The President’s property was declared a National Key Point by the Minister of Police on April 8, in 2010.
However, they overlooked to register and opened a special account for the project.
REVIEW OF LEGISLATION
In his report, President Zuma urged the Minister of Police, Nkosinathi Nhleko to expedite the review of the legislation which was implemented in the security upgrades.
He urged the Minister to report to the Cabinet on whether he is liable for any contribution regarding the high Nkandla project expenses.
He further added that the Minister of Department of Public Works, Thulas Nxesi needs to report to the Cabinet on the review of protocols and procedures regarding procurement, expenditures and oversight applicable to prestige and related projects.
According to the report, the budget for security upgrade project was not included in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the financial period 2010-2013.
It further states that the Department of Public Works did not pay any contractor for the construction of the house of the President. Furthermore, “the Supply Chain Management Policy and prescripts were not fully complied with in the procurement and services related to the project and there were security breaches in the procurement of services for the project”.
The President said he is satisfied with the progress report by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The SIU is in the process of releasing its findings on the upgrades.
