Publication: Cape Times Issued: Date: 2007-06-21 Reporter: Angela Quintal

State Funds Not Ruled Out for Zuma Defence

 

Publication 

Cape Times
Date

2007-06-21

Reporter

Angela Quintal

Web Link

 www.capetimes.co.za

 

With more than R11 million set aside or, already paid out for Jacob Zuma's legal costs, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has not ruled out further state funding.

Replying to a parliamentary question from DA MP Sheila Camerer, she said any application for legal representation by someone employed by or who was employed by the state, including Zuma, was considered by the relevant department's accounting officer on its merits *1.

A recommendation by the state attorney would be taken into account and the accounting officer *6 looked at the applications on a "case by case basis".

"If approved, fees to be charged are negotiated, either at a retainer rate or a reduced rate, whichever is the most cost effective.

"The number of legal representatives to be involved in the matter is also limited to the barest minimum in order to save on costs *3 to be incurred," Mlambo-Ngcuka said.

Last year, Zuma and his legal team received an early Christmas gift from the taxpayer when the Presidency ring-fenced R10m towards his legal costs relating to the corruption case against him.

A court later ruled that charges should be dropped against him, but Zuma was still in a legal battle with the Scorpions, in relation to documents that could be used should charges be reinstated against him. The R10m came from savings *4 as a result of vacant posts in the Presidency, with at least R8m already reportedly paid out to Zuma's lawyers.

With acknowledgements to Angela Quintal and Cape Times


*1      As can be seen from the court rulings, there is very little merit in most of Zuma's Stalingrad-type rearguard action.

Because he is being funded by the tax-payer, he is embarking on endless litigation which is as close to frivolous as one can get.

He certainly would not be doing so if it were his own money *2.


*2      Own money ?


*3      Barest minimum in order to save on costs ? - and we haven't even got to a final indictment yet.


*4      Savings (sic)  - unspent funds are not savings - sick.


*5      Laughing all the way to the Money Market - litigate - laugh - litigate - laugh - litigate - laugh - ha ha ha.


*6      May the accounting officer weep like the rest of us.