A crime against humanity

If it does at all, history should remember Jacob Zuma for his obvious belief that the State Treasury is his personal bank account.

And perhaps for his ability to surround himself with sycophantic ministers whose job seems to be to defend him against those who challenge his indulgences instead of calling him to account for them, as those holding their office would do in a true democracy.

Nkandla ought to be Jacob Zuma’s Watergate.

Even though there have been attempts to conceal the evidence of his private excesses, it is there and bare enough: a huge estate consisting of a house for every one of Zuma’s wives, towering security fences, a tunnel leading to an underground bunker, a clinic and tuck shop, reservoir, a million rand cattle kraal and an adjacent helipad.

All of it paid for by public money.

But added to that, Nkandla represents a crime against humanity.

An estimated 160 000 people live in the Nkandla area. Nine out of ten of them are unemployed. The rate of HIV is almost the highest in the country.

Outside of Zuma’s laager, most dwellings are without electricity and adequate water. At two-thirds of the cost of his R260-million estate, they could have both.

Jacob Zuma must know that, for these are his neighbours, his own people. Which can only mean he doesn’t care.