ConCourt approves R7.8m Zuma has to pay for non-security features at Nkandla

Webber Wentzel attorneys on Tuesday confirmed they have received a letter approving the R7.8 million President Jacob Zuma has to pay for the non-security upgrades at his Nkandla homestead.

In its March ruling‚ the Constitutional Court found that the findings of the public protector were binding and that Zuma’s failure to comply with the remedial action taken against him‚ by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her 2014 report Secure in Comfort‚ was inconsistent with the Constitution.

The court then ordered that the National Treasury determine the reasonable costs of those measures implemented by the Department of Public Works at Zuma’s Nkandla homestead that did not relate to security.

In a letter doing rounds on social media‚ acting senior registrar at the Constitutional Court Miss M Visagie said: “Having regard to paragraphs 7 and 8 of its order of 31 March 2016‚ this court signifies‚ with effect from the date of this letter‚ its approval of the amount of R7.814‚155‚ as at June 2009‚ set out in the last paragraph of the report by National Treasury submitted to the court on 27 June 2016”.

Vlad Movschovich‚ partner at Webber Wentzel‚ the firm that represented Corruption Watch in the matter‚ said: “It [ letter] is genuine. The court can send a letter. We will confirm telephonically with the office of the registrar to make sure that it is the court’s direction.”

He would not comment on the court’s finding until the firm confirms with the court on Wednesday.

Treasury had to determine the reasonable costs that the non-security features at Zuma’s home cost.