The royal palace called Nkandla
We all know of Jacob Zuma's intended security upgrade that was approved by the public works department for Nkandla, but what we did not expect is the money that was put unto it by taxpayers money. Nkandla, home of the Zulu family used up to approximately R246 million in improvements of the estate, not only security but buildings too... It's been said that there is a fire pool too... The perfect survival tool to use when no danger lurks in the mean time right?
Nkandla upgrade was kept a secret to avoid public questioning in how can our dear president spend so much on his home whilst the country is still in poverty and trying to develop and have more resources and infrastructure for the less fortunate. The man they voted for change and to lead them out of poverty used up that much to live in luxury at the expense of South Africa.
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| Before and after picture of Nkandla Source:PBS |
What lies beneath Zumaville
The Zuma residence contain an amphitheater that has a view of the whole residence and a stage for performances, a visitor's centre that was worth R6.7 million and probably more, cattle kraal with a chicken run farm, extensive paving with the swimming pool or should I say "fire pool" that cost approximately R550 000, two helipads on an open field, astroturf soccer pitches that were built for Zuma's guards to use, new houses for relocating relatives and guards and not forgetting the security fence that cost R9.2 million going all around the yard.
Can I get an Amen?
Was it all necessary?
No, I personally think that the developments that he made to the place could have been done in other communities including local, soccer pitches? Helipads can be used for the convenience of the community, swimming pool... Well fire pool did not have to be as costly if its only being used for emergencies, not to mention the houses ... Can they not be like Indians and live in one huge house? Not that I am stereotyping but non of the previous presidents have done that let alone each guard having they own house in the residence.
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| Chart on previous presidents spending a on they own security upgrade Source:Mail and guardian |
#Nkandla
Trended on twittersphere on how everyone felt about the scandal, from people who believed that people should not expect Zuma to pay, to all that was built is actually fit for the president while others believe that he should not have spent that much when much more could have been done with that money to help develop the country, after the SONA, the buzz on what the president should do was a trending topic that is still talked about till today since Thuli Madonsela revealed her report on the spendings made by our president.
Lets compromise
We understand that the president clearly needs a home that will suit his standard and any safety measures should be met to make sure that any unforseen dangers are met, the public admits that too and understands that but the problem is the other expenses made that did not include the president's security measures therefore makes the public hang their heads from dissapointment.
