Jacob Zuma Ordered to Repay R28.9 Million — A Harsh Yet Better Outcome Than Losing His Pension

 Jacob Zuma Ordered to Repay R28.9 Million — A Harsh Yet Better Outcome Than Losing His Pension

By Noko Maleka | Insight Jozi News

The Gauteng High Court has ordered former president Jacob Zuma to repay R28.9 million in legal fees that were unlawfully funded by the state during his corruption battles. Should he fail to pay within 60 days, the State Attorney may attach his assets — and, if necessary, even his presidential pension.

The judgment has sparked mixed reactions. On one hand, it’s seen as a necessary step toward accountability after years of taxpayer-funded litigation. On the other, it feels ridiculous in its ambition — punishing a man for benefiting from a system the state itself authorised.

It’s difficult not to question the timing and tone of the ruling. For years, government departments freely approved Zuma’s legal bills, only to now demand the money back when politically convenient. Still, as unfair as the decision may seem, it’s far better than the Presidency’s earlier idea of stripping Zuma entirely of his pension — a move that would have set a dangerous precedent of political revenge disguised as justice.

South Africa deserves accountability, yes — but also consistency and fairness. Justice cannot be selective, and power must never be used to humiliate former leaders for the theatre of it.

The real lesson in this saga is simple: the state must stop playing both lawyer and judge. If it wishes to recover money, it must also own up to the system that made such abuse possible in the first place.