Public Works cancels Nkandla briefing

25th April 2017 By: News24Wire

Public Works cancels Nkandla briefing

Public Works Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko

Public Works Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko on Monday cancelled a press briefing scheduled for Tuesday where he was expected to “set the record straight” on further upgrades to President Jacob Zuma's Nkandla homestead.

In a short email addressed to media, the department's spokesperson Lunga Mahlangu cancelled the briefing and apologised for the 'unforeseen cancellation'.

Nhleko called the briefing after the Sunday Times reported that additional upgrades and repairs are planned for the homestead which could possibly end up costing millions.

The Sunday Times reported that plans were allegedly also made to rebuild some of the houses on the property.

The Presidency has denied the report.

Former Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela found in her 2014 report Secure in Comfort that Zuma and his family unduly benefited from R246-million upgrades to his Nkandla homestead.

Zuma refuted the report and the matter was taken to the Constitutional Court.

In its judgement on March 31, the Constitutional Court ordered Treasury to determine the "reasonable amount" Zuma should repay.

National Treasury in June submitted a report to the Constitutional Court that the President Jacob Zuma must pay R7 814 155 for non-security upgrades at his Nkandla homestead.

The costs included upgrades to the so-called fire pool, the amphitheatre and the kraal.