Zuma Foundation Denies Involvement In Fundraising Campaign For R28.9 Million Legal Bill

The Jacob Zuma Foundation has publicly disassociated itself from a resurfaced fundraising drive aimed at helping former president Jacob Zuma repay the R28.9 million owed to the state for his legal expenses.

This comes after the Gauteng High Court ruled that Zuma is personally responsible for the funds spent by the government on his long-running arms deal corruption case.

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The presidency and the State Attorney’s office sought an order to recover the money after Zuma allegedly ignored a formal demand to repay the amount.

Zuma, however, has maintained that the state should cover his legal costs in matters linked to the 1999 arms deal and other charges pursued against him in his personal capacity.

As speculation grows that Zuma could lose his presidential pension if he fails to pay, a fundraising poster has begun circulating online once again.

Zuma Foundation Rejects Unauthorised Fundraising Efforts

In a statement, the Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi confirmed that the foundation had noted the circulation of the old fundraising poster but clarified that it had not sanctioned any such initiative.

“While we appreciate the positive intentions and goodwill of those involved in such initiatives, we wish to place it on record that, at this stage, the foundation has not authorised any fundraising campaigns of this nature,” said Manyi.

He added that the foundation would only issue an official response to the recent judgment after consulting its legal team and determining the appropriate course of action.

“We therefore respectfully request all well-wishers and supporters who may wish to assist in any way to await the foundation’s official announcement on the matter,” Manyi said.

Public Cautioned Against Misusing Foundation’s Name

Manyi also warned the public not to use the foundation’s name, logo, or stationery without approval, stressing that doing so could lead to “confusion and misrepresentation.”

Judge Anthony Millar, in his ruling, revealed that the R28.9 million total was established only after the state calculated all legal disbursements made under the 2018 High Court order.

The demand for repayment was issued in two parts—R18.2 million on 1 October 2021 and a further R10.7 million later—bringing the total to R28.9 million.

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