Three strikes

● “I will not be able to achieve any progress with the same DG and have lost trust in him … [his conduct is] deliberately aimed at undermining my authority.” — Public works minister Thulas Nxesi.

● “I am very concerned that clumsiness on our part may serve to reopen the whole [Nkandla] issue.” — Public works deputy minister Jeremy Cronin in November 2017.

● The then public protector, Thuli Madonsela, found Vukela guilty of maladministration for instructing that millions be redirected to fund the Nkandla upgrades.