The Special Tribunal has ordered the former architect of Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla residence to repay R147.3 million linked to losses suffered by the Department of Public Works during the controversial security upgrade project.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said Minenhle Makhanya, who served as architect and principal agent on the project, was held liable for the financial loss caused by unlawful conduct.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
Appointment found to be unlawful
The SIU investigation into the Nkandla upgrades was authorised through a 2013 proclamation.
According to the SIU, the Department of Public Works initially estimated the security project at R27.9 million after assessments by the South African Police Service and South African National Defence Force.
Makhanya was appointed as principal agent in August 2009.
However, the Tribunal found that his appointment was not preceded by a competitive bidding or open tender process. It also found there was no emergency or other lawful justification for bypassing procurement requirements.
Makhanya was also not listed as a supplier with the department.
Costs increased to R216 million
Under the project, expenditure eventually climbed to more than R216 million.
The SIU said Makhanya authorised works that went beyond the security measures identified by SAPS and the SANDF.
These included tunnels, lifts, additional accommodation units, a laundry facility, parking, internal roads, landscaping and a so-called “fire pool”.
According to the SIU, the additional works alone cost R68.5 million.
The Tribunal found that Makhanya authorised and certified payments for structures and services not required by the original security assessments.
Tribunal rejects Makhanya’s defence
Makhanya argued that he had acted within his authority while implementing instructions and decisions from SAPS and the SANDF.
The Tribunal rejected this defence, along with arguments relating to prescription and time limits.
Although it acknowledged that Makhanya did not act alone, the Tribunal found that his role as architect and principal agent carried a responsibility to prevent fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
The SIU reduced its total claim by R7.8 million, reflecting an amount previously repaid by Zuma for non-security-related upgrades.
Makhanya was also ordered to pay the legal costs of the proceedings, including the costs of two counsel.