Zuma’s architect to challenge claim

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma’s architect, Minenhle Makhanya, has filed a notice to oppose a multimillionrand claim by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

Makhanya’s lawyer, Barnabas Xulu, said yesterday that in 20 days’ time he would submit a comprehensive argument to the Pietermaritzburg High Court against the SIU’s R155-million civil claim against Makhanya for the money he was paid for his involvement in “security upgrades” at Zuma’s home in Nkandla.

The SIU is accusing Makhanya of inflating prices in connection with the controversial project. Xulu said he did not want to speculate about the motive for the claim.

The ANC sprung to Zuma’s defence in parliament yesterday over his reply to a damning report by public protector Thuli Madonsela on the Nkandla saga.

ANC chief whip Stone Sizani said Zuma did not have to confine himself to Madonsela’s report when responding to parliament on the matter.

Sizani’s comments came after Madonsela charged that Zuma’s reply to speaker of parliament Baleka Mbete last week did not address issues she raised in her findings.

“The office of the ANC chief whip is satisfied with President Jacob Zuma’s comprehensive response to all important reports, including the report of the public protector, relating to the security upgrades at his Nkandla private residence,” Sizani said.

“In responding to parliament on this matter, it was important and appropriate that the president takes into account not only one but all the applicable reports produced thus far in relation to the project to assist parliament to sufficiently process the matter.”

Madonsela found that Zuma had unduly benefited from the nonsecurity installations at Nkandla.