The Jacob Zuma Foundation says it is awaiting a briefing from its legal team after a Gauteng High Court ruling ordered former president Jacob Zuma to repay R28.9 million in state-funded legal fees with interest....Click to Read More >>➤
The court ruled on Wednesday that Zuma is personally liable for the legal expenses from his long-running arms deal corruption case. This decision marks another legal setback for the former president.
The Presidency and State Attorney’s office sought the order to recover public funds. They argued that Zuma failed to respond to or pay the amount detailed in a formal demand letter.
Zuma had contended that the state remained liable for his legal costs. These costs stemmed from his corruption and fraud case related to the 1999 arms deal and other personal capacity cases.
This latest court battle follows a 2021 Supreme Court of Appeal ruling. That decision found Zuma was not entitled to taxpayer-funded legal support and must reimburse the state.
Zuma Foundation Awaits Legal Briefing
Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi confirmed Zuma’s legal team is studying the judgment. He stated the foundation will await a lawyer briefing before commenting further.
The Democratic Alliance welcomed the ruling. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp said Zuma has evaded repaying millions in legal fees since 2018 that the state should never have covered.
Aucamp emphasized that Zuma benefited from R28.9 million in taxpayer money over seven years. He said the DA continues fighting for the rule of law and protecting public funds.
He expressed anticipation that Zuma will begin repaying what he owes South Africa. This starts with the R28.9 million plus interest. Aucamp also stressed the importance of a court progress report on the recovery for public transparency.
Court Details Repayment Structure
In his judgment, Judge Anthony Millar explained the exact amount owed was determined after the state calculated total disbursements under a 2018 high court order. The state then formally demanded payment.
The demand came in two parts. The first, for R18.2 million, was issued on 1 October 2021. The second part, R10.7 million, was added later, bringing the total to R28.9 million when the current process was served on 24 January 2024.
Judge Millar clarified that because the amounts were demanded at different times, interest for late payment runs separately. Mora interest applies to R18,261,347.72 from 22 October 2021 until 24 January 2024. From 25 January 2024, interest runs on the full R28,960,774.34 total.
The DA had further requested repayment within 60 days against Zuma’s property, including his entire presidential pension. The court’s ruling now sets the stage for the recovery process to begin. ...Click to Read More >>➤
