South Africa’s Special Tribunal has ordered architect Minenhle Makhanya to pay the National Treasury R147,269,444.06 for financial losses incurred by the Department of Public Works during upgrades to former President Jacob Zuma’s residence in Nkandla. As Daily Maverick reports, the tribunal issued its ruling in the civil case initiated by South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on August 27, 2026.
Makhanya was the architect and principal agent for the project. The tribunal found that his actions contributed to significant financial losses for the Department of Public Works, including through buildings with specifications exceeding the established requirements, construction and professional service costs above market rates, and payments that, according to the SIU, were improperly certified.
Project cost rose to more than R216 million
The South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force assessed the necessary security measures at Zuma’s private residence. Once the approvals were completed, the Department of Public Works set their cost at R27,893,067.46, and the budget was approved on August 11, 2009. The cost of the upgrades later exceeded R216 million.
Makhanya was appointed principal agent on August 27, 2009. His duties included designing the work, appointing contractors and security-service providers, supervising the project, and certifying payments. The SIU challenged the appointment, stating that constitutional and legislative requirements for public procurement had not been followed. The tribunal declared the appointment and the contract between Makhanya and the Department of Public Works invalid.
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Claims concerning design and payments
The SIU cited examples of facilities designed with floor areas exceeding the assessments of security agencies. In particular, a control room was designed to cover 114 square metres instead of the 40 square metres assessed by police. According to the SIU’s calculations, the excessive cost amounted to R2,505,764.08, including professional services and VAT.
The unit also challenged the certification of payments for construction work at prices it considered above market rates, as well as payments to contractors Moneymine Investments 310 CC and Bonelena 12 Construction and Projects. According to the SIU, for payments totalling R54,825,513, the Department was unable to determine what work had been carried out and whether it had been completed. A further R5,347,999 was paid to Igoda Projects under similar circumstances, according to the SIU.
The tribunal noted that Makhanya was not the only person involved in the rise in project costs, but as architect and principal agent he was required to ensure that wasteful and inefficient expenditure was avoided. The amount claimed was reduced by R7.8 million that Zuma had previously paid for non-security-related upgrades. Makhanya must also pay interest at 11.25% per year from the date of the ruling until the funds are paid, as well as legal costs.
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