South African bishops renew criticism of spending on President Zuma’s compound

June 05, 2015

The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference has renewed its criticism of excessive spending on renovations to Nkandla, President Jacob Zuma’s compound.

The commission’s statement followed a report from the nation’s police minister that found that all of the renovations, including a swimming pool, were related to security, and that “the president and his family’s rights have been violated” by media scrutiny.

“We wish to remind our political leaders that, at a time when millions of our people are struggling to make ends meet, it is morally unjustifiable for the government to spend excessive amounts of money – R246 million [$19.8 million] – on one person and on non-security items,” said Bishop Abel Gabuza, the commission’s chairman. “We therefore urge the president to show ethical leadership and take some responsibility for the runaway expenditure on the Nkandla project.”

 

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Further information:

• The Statement of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Church on Nkandla (SACBC)
• South African prelate laments excessive spending by nation’s president (CWN, 4/4/14)
• Police clear Jacob Zuma of having to repay Nkandla cash (Financial Times)