Overview
- The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria heard Jacob Zuma’s application for leave to appeal an order that he repay R28.9 million for private legal fees.
- Zuma’s advocate, Thabani Masuku, argued that earlier full-court and Supreme Court of Appeal rulings required repayment to the state but did not name Zuma as the debtor.
- Masuku said state officials approved the funding later found unlawful and questioned why they face no consequences, while also contesting the interest component granted at the Democratic Alliance’s instance.
- Counsel for the President and state departments, George Avakoumides, opposed the application and maintained that previous courts made Zuma’s liability clear.
- Judge Anthony Millar reserved judgment on the leave-to-appeal bid, leaving his order—requiring repayment with interest within 60 days and permitting asset attachment—on hold.