A look inside former President Jacob Zuma’s R246 million Nkandla homestead

From a Helipad to a private military hospital: A look inside former President Jacob Zuma’s R246 million Nkandla homestead

A palace fit for a king. Jacob Zuma hogged headlines when he ascended into power in 2009 as the fourth South African President. However, his term ended in 2018 after handing over power to Cyril Ramaphosa. No doubt he has since been dupped as the darling of Mzansi thanks to his presidential term.

However, among many things during his term, Jacob Zuma is known for his love of soft life and considerable family opulent homestead that has since seen him appearing before the commission of inquiry. Well, let’s dive into the lavish life of the former President, from his Nkandla homestead to alleged Dubai mansions.

Former President Jacob Zuma’s house is best known as the Nkandla homestead. The spacious homestead is located in KwaZulu-Natal, a few kilometres South of the rural town of Nkandla. The homestead is built on the vast tracks of land owned by the Ingonyama Trust. Of interest is the fact that the construction of the homestead kicked off soon after Jacob Zuma ascended into power and cost around R246 million.

From a Helipad to a private military hospital: A look inside former President Jacob Zuma’s R246 million Nkandla homestead

In recent years the homestead has made all sorts of headlines for the wrong reasons. Of late, it has been the centre of controversy of his presidential term, and courts have it that he swingled taxpayers’ money to make his homestead a palace fit for a king.

Here are some things that make Zuma’s Nkandla homestead stand above the rest. The house has a giant helipad. It also has several separate guest wings that are fully furnished and en-suites—a visitor’s centre where most of his highly esteemed visitors are welcomed. The visitors centre is best known for hosting EFF President Julius Malema and Police Minister Bheki Cele during the arrest of Jacob Zuma earlier this year.

The homestead is said to have several underground tunnels that connect the households within the estate. The homestead also boasts of a private military hospital. There are several guardhouses at the Nkandla premises. Some of the buildings are air-conditioned and fully automated. However, some features have not been revealed due to security reasons.

Like any Zulu, Zuma has a big cattle kraal with his homestead and is said to have several Nguni cattle. He also has several kitchen runs. The homestead also boasts a theatre and a huge parking lot for several cars. The former President has several cars, but the rumour mill says that only a few are stationed at his homestead. A fleet of four Ranger Rovers at his homestead, two Land Rover Discovery, two Audi Q7s and three Audi A6s are always spotted there.

Of interest is that Zuma is said to have several properties in Dubai under the watch of his son Duduzane Zuma. Reports have it that he has a mansion in the Lailak Streets in Emirates Hills, which also happens to be the neighbourhood of the late Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s house.

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