MK Party
1Min
South Africa
Oct 22, 2025
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has ordered former president Jacob Zuma to repay R28.9 million in legal fees that were covered by the Presidency during his corruption trial, with interest. If he fails to pay within 60 days, the State is authorised to seize his pension and assets.
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has ordered former president and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma to repay a total of R28 960 774.34 in legal fees that were covered by the Presidency during his corruption trial.
The order, which was made public on Wednesday, directs Zuma to pay the amount to the Office of the State Attorney within 60 days. The sum includes the legal costs advanced for his defence as well as interest in accordance with the Prescribed Rate of Interest Act 55 of 1975.
In its ruling, the court stated, “The first respondent, Mr. Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, is ordered to make payment to the second applicant, the State Attorney, of the sum of R28 960 774.34 being in respect of monies advanced for his legal fees and associated expenses.”
The court further ordered Zuma to pay interest on the amount of R18 261 347.72 from 22 October 2021 to 24 January 2024, and on the total amount of R28 960 774.34 from 25 January 2024 until the date of full payment.
If Zuma fails to pay the amount within the stipulated 60 days, the State is authorised to recover the funds through the seizure of his pension and assets. The ruling empowers the State Attorney to take necessary steps to recover the money from Zuma’s available financial resources.
The legal dispute was between the Presidency of South Africa, the State Attorney, and the Solicitor General of the Republic of South Africa, listed as the first, second, and third applicants respectively, and Zuma as the first respondent.
The matter stems from legal expenses incurred during Zuma’s corruption trial, which began during his tenure as president. The funds were initially paid by the Presidency to support his legal representation in various court proceedings.
Meanwhile, the MK Party released a statement on Wednesday confirming that Zuma will address the nation at a media briefing to be held at the party’s KwaZulu Natal Provincial Office in Durban. The briefing will cover what the party described as “the latest developments” within the organisation.
The Jacob G Zuma Foundation was contacted for comment. However, at the time of going to print, there had been no response from spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi.
The JG Zuma Foundation said will await briefing by the lawyers before making any comments on the judgment.
