Zumaville

Architects involved with the building of the Umlalazi-Nkandla Smart Growth Centre are taking Kombani Consulting to court over money it is owed.

Reports say Jacob Zuma is forging ahead with plans for the development of the R2-billion Zumaville next to his Nkandla home.

More petitions are before the courts as delays drag truth closer to the secrecy Bill’s horizon.

The plan to build a new town close to President Jacob Zuma’s homestead is showing cracks – but the man behind the concept says things are on track.

These days the ANC’s loudest voices are those of populists, racists, opportunists and reactionaries.

Public protector Thuli Madonsela will investigate the development of a R2-billion town in President Jacob Zuma’s village of Nkandla, her office said.

Two new road networks worth R582-million have been built in President Jacob Zuma’s village in KwaNxamalala, Nkandla – thanks mostly to state funds.

The agriculture department has no plans to donate R800-million to the Nkandla development project, Agriculture Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson said.

As the public protector is asked to probe the splurge on Nkandla, one is left wondering what happened to government’s ability to self-regulate.

The department of public works says the source of the leak about Nkandla’s escalating costs will be found and brought to book.

Why is the government so intent on dodging questions about the splurge on ‘security’ at President Jacob Zuma’s rural homestead?

In Nkandla, among those who live virtually in the shadow of the presidential compound, its status as a national key point is effectively meaningless.

The Nkandla homestead appears to have been declared a national key point and thus subject to blanket secrecy.

The DA wants a probe into allegations that R203-million of taxpayers money would be used in the revamping of President Zuma’s Nkandla homestead.

Tina Joemat-Pettersson wishes to place on record that the report "Department donates ‘gift’ for Zuma’s project" is completely incorrect.