NKANDLA, KWAZULU-NATAL — Former Nkandla project architect Minenhle Makhanya must repay R147,269,444.06 to the state.
The Special Tribunal issued the order on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
The case concerns the controversial upgrades at former President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla homestead.
The Tribunal found that Makhanya acted unlawfully when he accepted his appointment and carried out his duties. It also found that his actions contributed to financial losses at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
Project costs increased sharply
The Department of Public Works initially approved the project at about R27.9 million.
However, the project eventually cost more than R216 million.
According to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), officials expanded the project beyond the security needs identified by security agencies.
The work included tunnels, additional accommodation, roads and landscaping.
It also included lifts, a laundry, parking areas, a fire pool and air-conditioning.
These additions cost about R68.5 million.
Tribunal challenges Makhanya’s appointment
The Department appointed Makhanya in 2009 without following a competitive tender process.
The Tribunal found no lawful reason for the Department to bypass its normal procurement rules.
Makhanya also did not hold supplier registration with the Department when officials appointed him.
Furthermore, the Tribunal identified problems with several payments linked to the project.
Makhanya approved payments for work that officials had not identified as necessary.
He also failed to obtain the required approvals for project changes and over-designs.
In addition, some payments exceeded market-related prices.
Other payments covered work that contractors had not completed or properly recorded.
Zuma repaid R7.8 million
Zuma previously repaid R7.8 million for improvements that did not relate to security requirements.
The SIU accepted the repayment and deducted the amount from its claim.
Makhanya was not alone
The Tribunal noted that Makhanya was not the only person involved in the project.
However, his position as architect and principal agent gave him important responsibilities.
The Tribunal found that he should have helped protect the Department from unlawful and wasteful expenditure.
The Tribunal also declared his contract with the Department invalid.
SIU may refer criminal evidence
The case follows a lengthy SIU investigation into the Nkandla project.
The investigation examined procurement processes and spending linked to the upgrades.
The SIU said it may refer evidence of possible criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Makhanya must also pay interest on the amount owed.
In addition, he must cover the legal costs of the proceedings.
The latest ruling adds another chapter to the Nkandla controversy, which has remained one of South Africa’s biggest public-spending scandals for more than a decade.
