Zuma apologises to nation over Nkandla‚ but dodges blame

President Jacob Zuma on Friday night conceded that many matters could have been handled differently in the scandal over the estimated R246 million of taxpayer cash being spent on his Nkandla homestead‚ and apologised for the “frustration and confusion” this had caused.

I did not act dishonestly or with any personal knowledge of the irregularities by the Department of Public Works with regards to the Nkandla project‚” he said.

However‚ “with hindsight‚ there are many matters which could have been handled differently‚ and which should never have been allowed to drag on this long‚ which we deeply regret“.

“The matter has caused a lot of confusion for which I apologise on my behalf and on behalf of government‚” he told the country‚ live on television.

The court also condemned the “illegality” of Zuma’s conduct in failing to comply with the remedial action set out by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her 2014 report titled “Secure in Comfort”.

Zuma said that he would respect the Constitutional Court’s verdict.

“It puts an end to any other interpretation of this matter.”

“I respect the judgment and will abide by it.

“I will pay an amount towards the Nkandla non-security upgrades once this has been determined by the correct authority.”