New security fences, a medical clinic, fire-fighting services added for a helipad, plus other upgrades, all for South African President Jacob Zuma’s rural private residence to the tune of more than US$23 million in taxpayer money.
Zuma is embroiled in a controversy over the costly additions to his private residence in a country where millions still lack decent homes, running water, electrical power and adequate access to health and education services.
The revelations of the renovation of Zuma’s rural compound, dubbed “Zumaville” in the local press, in KwaZulu-Natal come before the ruling African National Congress’ December conference where Zuma seeks to be reappointed as the party’s leader, and therefore its candidate for president in the 2014 national election.
Zuma’s standing has already been shaken by the recent police killings of 34 striking platinum miners in the continuing wave of ongoing wildcat strikes. He is widely seen by striking miners as aloof to their concerns that they’re not paid enough for the difficult and dangerous work they perform. Firebrand politician Julius Malema, ousted this year as ANC Youth League leader, says Zuma should not be allowed another term in office.
The government has refused to disclose the precise cost of the work on Zuma’s countryside home. Local reports say the upgrades cost about 200 million rand (US$23 million).
Zuma said at a breakfast meeting on Thursday that he does not know how much the work will cost, that it was authorised by the Ministry of Works and was motivated by security concerns. Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi said last week that work on Zuma’s residence was similar to that done on those of other South African presidents.
High security fences have been erected, roads upgraded, a medical clinic added and fire-fighting services developed for the helipad at the compound, according to the South African Press Association (Sapa). Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Deputy Public Works Minister Jeremy Cronin also could not confirm the cost but said the matter would be investigated for any “inexplicable overruns on costs”, according to Sapa.