BackOn 19 March 2014, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela published her report “Secure in Comfort” on her investigation into allegations of unlawful and unethical conduct with regard to the installation of security measures and related upgrades at President Zuma’s private residence at Nkandla.
The complaints and hence the investigations following centred on three key aspects: First, lack of authority for the expenditure and even if there was, the upgrades seemed to be highly excessive. Second, the improper procurement process with regard to the security measures which led to the unnecessary spending of public money, and third, the President’s alleged unethical conduct in relation to the matter, violating the Executive Ethics Code.
The Public Protector came to the conclusion that the implementation of the security measures failed to comply with the standards and processes set out in the respective laws. As a result, they constitute a case of improper conduct and maladministration, as does the conduct of the state organs who were involved in the Nkandla Project.
Furthermore, several of the security measures went beyond what was required for the President’s security and therefore can be legitimately classified as unlawful. Some of the measures in question should never have been implemented since they were neither provided for nor reasonable, such as a swimming pool, an amphitheatre, a chicken run and a Visitors’ Centre, among others.
For further information, please consult the detailed report attached below.
