JOHANNESBURG - The Public Protector has formally responded to President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla offer.



In a letter to the state attorney, Thuli Madonsela says she appreciates the president’s partial acceptance of her remedial action, and his efforts to resolve the matter.

She says she stands by her findings, but agrees that it’s no longer appropriate for the SAPS to determine the costs of non-security upgrades in Zuma&39;s private home.

She still wants to argue in court about her powers and the legal effect of her remedial action.

PP @ThuliMadonsela3 has consulted her office and her legal team on the President&39;s proposal regarding remedial action she took on Nkandla — Public Protector SA (@PublicProtector) February 4, 2016

PP @ThuliMadonsela3&39;s standpoint remains that her remedial action must be given effect ... Nkandla — Public Protector SA (@PublicProtector) February 4, 2016

Remedial action must be given effect unless PP is engaged & has relaxed aspects thereof to accomodate unforeseen circumstances Nkandla — Public Protector SA (@PublicProtector) February 4, 2016



On Wednesday, Madonsela said she would consult with her legal team before issuing a response to President Jacob Zuma’s proposal to pay back some of the money spent on the upgrades at his Nkandla homestead in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The public protector needs to consider what was said [by Zuma] and consult with the legal team that had been helping her with the Constitutional Court case to be heard on Tuesday next week. We will issue a detailed response by midday today,” spokesman Oupa Segalwe said on Wednesday morning.

On Tuesday night, the presidency said Zuma proposed in a letter sent to the registrar of the Constitutional Court that it order the finance minister and Auditor-General to determine an appropriate amount to be refunded.

Madonsela’s 2014 report on Nkandla, titled “Secure in Comfort”, has seen, until Tueday night, Zuma defy opposition calls to comply with her directive that he cover a reasonable amount of the cost — to be determined by National Treasury with the assistance of the police service — for upgrades that did not relate to security.

The Constitutional Court has asked all parties involved in the Nkandla court case, to inform it by 4pm on Friday if they accept President Jacob Zuma&39;s payment proposal.

The Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and the Public Protector were set for a massive court showdown with President Jacob Zuma over the Nkandla debacle.