DA Welcomes Ruling As Jacob Zuma Ordered To Repay R28 Million, South Africans Share Mixed Reactions
- The Democratic Alliance (DA) has weighed in on a court ruling ordering Jacob Zuma to pay back R28.9 million in legal fees
- The fees were paid by the State despite being used to defend Zuma in his personal capacity when he was deputy president
- South Africans shared their thoughts on the order against Zuma and the DA's statement celebrating the news
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed a court ruling ordering Jacob Zuma to pay back R28.9 million in legal fees owed to the State.
On Wednesday, 22 October 2025, the Gauteng High Court ruled that the former State President needed to pay back the money within 60 days. The fees were incurred through various criminal prosecutions and litigation against him and were paid by the State attorney despite the charges being laid against Zuma in his personal capacity.
The Gauteng High Court also ruled that the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader should pay the interest accumulated on the amount as well.
DA released a statement following the ruling
The DA released a statement welcoming the ruling, stating that it proved no one was above the law. Spokesperson Willie Aucamp said that the ruling also highlighted that Zuma had the tendency to misuse public funds during his presidency.
“We look forward to seeing Mr Zuma repay what he owes South Africa, starting with this first amount of R28.9 million plus interest thereon.
“A report must be furnished to the Court on the progress of the recovery, so that South Africans are kept abreast thereof,” Aucamp said.
Zuma is expected to address the judgment during the media briefing
The former president has yet to comment on the ruling but is expected to address the judgment during an upcoming media briefing. The MK Party will host a media briefing in Durban on Thursday, 23 October 2025.
While the party did not indicate whether the judgment would be discussed, it did note that Zuma would address the nation on the MK Party's latest developments. The party also billed it as an important event.
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When will Zuma be required to pay back the money?
The court ordered that Zuma pay back the money within 60 days of the date of the court order. If he fails to do so, his properties will be attached and sold. The court also ruled that his pension, or a portion of it, could be attached to recover the funds.
Zuma’s legal team argued that the corruption case arose from his time as deputy president and therefore the State was entitled to cover his defence.
His advocate, Thabani Masuku, argued that his client did not get the money through corruption, but rather that it was paid by the State due to incorrect legal advice.
South Africans debate court ruling
Social media users shared mixed reactions to the ruling and the DA’s statement.
Chriz Alfreds stated:
“Only Phala Phala is above the law.”
Bruce Curtis speculated:
“He will not go to jail nor pay.”
Rifumo Chauke stated:
“He must pay it without any delay.”
Nolwandle Nolly Msholozi said:
“DA is very selective. If that's the case, then why did they stop making a noise about Phala Phala? This happened after the DA/ANC coalition.”
Mkhululi Ngqeza suggested:
“Zuma will appeal until he goes to the grave.”
Fana Kutumela noted:
“He can't appeal forever.”
Sihe Nkwanyana added:
“They tried many times to criminalise this old man and failed. Now they are dragging legal bills that are not even a crime at all to crucify him. No matter what they are doing to President Zuma, he is still the best leader we have ever had in Africa.”
Other stories about Zuma and legal fees
Briefly News reported that there have been other stories involving Zuma and legal fees for various cases.
- In January 2021, the State Capture Inquiry heard that the Guptas had been paying Zuma’s legal fees.
- In 2023, Zuma was ordered to settle Cyril Ramaphosa's legal bills after a court threw out his private prosecution attempt.
- In November 2024, Julius Malema claimed that Zuma owed the Economic Freedom Fighters for legal fees.
Source: Briefly News
