In a landmark ruling on October 22, 2025, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has directed former South African President Jacob Zuma to repay R28.9 million, plus interest, to the state attorney for legal costs incurred during his corruption trial. The funds, used to cover Zuma’s personal defense in the high profile arms deal case, were deemed unlawfully allocated by previous court judgments. Judge Anthony Millar emphasized that Zuma, not taxpayers, must bear the financial burden, rejecting his defense that the payments were state-approved.

Zuma’s legal team argued repayment was “impossible,” citing his inability to afford the sum, even if his presidential pension was seized. However, the court ruled that failure to comply within  60 days would allow the state to attach his assets, including the pension. “Mora interest runs because Mr. Zuma deprived the state of the productive use of the money,” Millar stated. The Democratic Alliance (DA) hailed the decision as a “victory for accountability,” while Zuma’s MK Party announced he would address the nation on Thursday, details pending.

The  drama dates back to 2006, when the state funded Zuma’s legal battles, later ruled invalid by the Supreme Court of Appeal (2021). With Zuma’s assets and pension now at risk, the state attorney must report recovery progress to the court every three months.
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