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High Court Orders Jacob Zuma to Repay R28.9 Million Within 60 Days

The ruling enforces earlier findings that taxpayer funding of Zuma’s private defence was unlawful, instituting court oversight of efforts to recover the money.

MK party leader and former South African president Jacob Zuma has been ordered to repay R28.9m unlawfully used to pay his legal fees and related expenses. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sharon Seretlo)
FILE - Former president Jacob Zuma is seen at the Results Operation Center in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File)
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Overview

  • Judge Anthony Millar directed Zuma to pay R28,960,774.34 to the State Attorney plus prescribed mora interest, with interest running on R18,261,347.72 from 22 October 2021 to 24 January 2024, and on the full amount from 25 January 2024 until payment.
  • If Zuma does not pay within 60 days, the State Attorney may obtain a writ of execution to attach and sell his movable, immovable or incorporeal property, including his presidential pension benefit subject to further court authorization.
  • The court imposed a structural interdict requiring the State Attorney to file an affidavit within three months, and then every three months, detailing recovery steps and progress until the debt is settled.
  • Millar rejected Zuma’s arguments that officials should bear liability and ordered him to cover the applicants’ legal costs for this application.
  • The Democratic Alliance welcomed the ruling as a win for taxpayers, while the MK Party said Zuma would address the nation; Zuma told reporters he will consult his lawyers before deciding next steps.