Nkandla (homestead)

Nkandla /ɪnˈkʌntlʌ/ is the private home of South African President Jacob Zuma, situated about 24 km (15 mi) south of the town of Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal. There has been public controversy about the use of public funds to make improvements to the compound which were said to be for security reasons which cost over R246 million. A report of the Public Protector has found that Zuma unduly benefited from these improvements. The controversy is sometimes referred to as Nkandlagate.

The compound is situated on land owned by the Ingonyama Trust, the legal entity that owns the traditional land administered by Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu on behalf of the state for the benefit of its occupants.

Improvements made to compound

The South African government public works department is building a helipad, underground bunkers, security and their accommodation, a firepool, a chicken-run, and fencing around the entire complex. According to the ministerial handbook, the department can spend R100,000 on security improvements at the private houses of public officials. Any costs above that must be covered by the official. Over R200,000,000 has appeared to be allocated by the department. The firepool was built, which was controversial, and has been described as a part of "questionable 'security renovations'."

Nkandla

Nkandla is a South African place name that may refer to: