The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ordered former president Jacob Zuma to repay R28.9 million in state-funded legal fees, plus interest. Judge Anthony Millar gave Zuma 60 days to pay. If he fails, the State Attorney can attach his assets, including his home and part of his pension. The ruling stems from years of public money spent on his private lawsuits.
Zuma Foundation Slams Ruling as Unconstitutional
The JG Zuma Foundation said it was “deeply disappointed” and will continue to fight for Zuma’s constitutional rights. It argued the state acted “unlawfully and unconstitutionally” in paying the fees. The court then “punished” Zuma by making him personally liable for that same unconstitutional conduct. The foundation maintains there was no benefit to Zuma and that responsible officials should have been pursued under the Public Finance Management Act. It said the court failed to use its section 172 powers to craft a “just and equitable” remedy.
Interest Order Sparks Further Criticism
The foundation also criticised the decision to add interest, requested by the Democratic Alliance, calling it inconsistent with fairness and “established jurisprudence.” It said a constitutionally compliant outcome would have recognised Zuma’s rights. Such an outcome would have absolved him of liability for conduct not his own.
Possible Damages Claim Against the State
Zuma “may seek damages from the state” for financial and personal harm linked to the legal-fees saga, the foundation said. It added that “true justice will ultimately prevail” and that “no citizen should ever suffer for the unlawful conduct of the state.” Meanwhile, the repayment order raises the risk that Zuma could lose part of his pension if he does not settle the R28.9 million within the deadline. The debate over whether Zuma must repay R28.9 million—and on what terms—now moves toward possible appeals and fresh litigation.
