THE High Court Of South Africa Has Ordered Former President Jacob Zuma To Repay More Than €1 Million (Approx. $1.1 Million) Within 60 Days, After Finding Him Guilty Of Illegally Using Public Funds For Personal Expenses.
The Ruling, Issued This Week, Marks A Major Development In A Case That Has Been Under Investigation For Several Years. The Case Centered On Allegations That Zuma Used Taxpayer Money To Cover Private Legal And Personal Costs Tied To Long-Standing Corruption And Fraud Charges.
In 2021, Zuma’s Legal Team Denied Any Wrongdoing, Arguing That He Did Not Personally Benefit From Public Funds. However, The Pretoria High Court Dismissed Those Claims, Concluding That The Former Leader Violated Financial Laws By Diverting State Resources For Private Use.
If Zuma Fails To Make The Payment Within The 60-Day Deadline, His Presidential Pension May Be Withheld, According To The Court’s Directive. Zuma Has Stated That He Plans To Meet With His Lawyers To Determine His Next Legal Steps.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) — South Africa’s Second-Largest Political Party — Welcomed The Court’s Decision, Calling It An Important Step Toward Holding Leaders Accountable For Misuse Of Power. Zuma, Who Was Forced To Resign In 2018 Amid A Wave Of Corruption Scandals, Continues To Face Multiple Legal Challenges Stemming From His Time In Office.