27/08/2026
NKANDLA BILL: ARCHITECT ORDERED TO REPAY MORE THAN R147 MILLION
KWAZULU-NATAL – More than a decade after the controversial upgrades at former President Jacob Zuma’s private residence in Nkandla made national headlines, the matter has returned to the courts.
The Special Tribunal has ordered former Nkandla project architect and principal agent Minenhle Makhanya to pay more than R147.27 million to the state over financial losses linked to the project.
According to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the tribunal found that Makhanya’s appointment was unlawful because it was made without following a competitive tender process.
The Nkandla project was initially approved at approximately R27.9 million, but the total cost eventually increased to more than R216 million.
The tribunal found that several works went beyond the security requirements identified by the SAPS and SANDF. These included additional accommodation, tunnels, lifts, visitors’ facilities, parking areas, roads, landscaping and the controversial fire pool.
The SIU said these additional works contributed to significant financial losses for the Department of Public Works.
While the tribunal acknowledged that Makhanya did not act alone in the escalation of the project costs, it found that, as architect and principal agent, he had a professional responsibility to prevent the department from incurring fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
Makhanya has been ordered to pay R147,269,444.06, together with interest until the amount is settled, as well as legal costs.
The SIU has further indicated that evidence of possible criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for consideration.
The Nkandla saga previously resulted in the Constitutional Court ruling that public funds had been spent on non-security features at Zuma’s private residence, with Zuma subsequently required to repay an amount determined through the legal process.
The latest ruling has once again placed accountability for the Nkandla project under the spotlight.
BUSHMEDIA QUESTION
Should other individuals who were involved in the Nkandla project also be held financially accountable, or has the state finally held the right person responsible?
Share your views respectfully.
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