Nkandla Architect Faces R147 Million Repayment Order Amid Cost Overruns
By Editor • August 27, 2026 • 2 min read
In a significant turn of events, Minenhle Makhanya, the architect responsible for the infamous Nkandla upgrades, has been ordered to repay R147 million to the South African government due to his role in the exorbitant costs associated with the project. This ruling, delivered on August 27, 2026, by the Special Tribunal, marks a decisive victory for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in their long-standing battle against corruption linked to the controversial renovations at former President Jacob Zuma's private residence.
The project, which started as a R27.8 million security upgrade, spiraled out of control, ultimately costing taxpayers over R216 million. The SIU's investigation uncovered a range of failures in the handling of contracts and budget management by the Department of Public Works (DPW). Makhanya, who served as both architect and principal agent, was found liable for gross negligence that led to significant financial losses, including payments for over-designed buildings and inflated construction costs.
Judge Karin Pillay, presiding over the case, noted the unfortunate reality that while Makhanya has been singled out for accountability, he was not acting alone. "It is regrettable that the first defendant stands alone… as he clearly did not act alone in allowing the costs of the upgrade at Nkandla to balloon," she stated, emphasizing the shared responsibility within the broader framework of the project.
The SIU's inquiry, initiated in December 2013, sought to determine the legitimacy of the contracts awarded for the Nkandla upgrades, ensuring they were executed transparently and in the best interest of the public. Originally, security upgrades were authorized by the DPW based on assessments from the SAPS and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), estimating a budget of R27,893,067.46 in 2009. However, the project’s scope was significantly expanded under Makhanya's oversight.
Among the numerous allegations against him, Makhanya approved designs that exceeded the specifications set by security authorities. For instance, a control room that was supposed to be 40 square meters was designed at 114 square meters, resulting in excess costs of over R2.5 million. Similarly, the construction of guardhouses and staff accommodations saw significant financial overruns that the SIU highlighted as clear mismanagement.
The SIU also raised concerns over professional fees, alleging that Makhanya and various consulting firms had been overpaid a combined total exceeding R13 million. Notably, payments to contractors were made without sufficient documentation to substantiate the work claimed to have been completed, raising further red flags regarding the project's financial management.
As the fallout from the Nkandla upgrades continues, the SIU’s actions signify a crucial step toward holding accountable those involved in misappropriating state funds. The tribunal's judgment serves as a warning that financial misconduct in public projects will not go unchallenged. The call for Makhanya to repay R147 million is just one piece of a much larger puzzle, as investigations into the broader network of accountability remain ongoing.
Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za
