ANC: South Africans welcome to assist Zuma with legal fees
The African National Congress (ANC) says it will not stand in the way of those wishing to donate towards former president Jacob Zuma's legal fees.
The High Court in Pretoria declared on Thursday that the state was not liable to pay for Zuma's legal fees during criminal prosecutions instituted against him.
The fees could be as much as R32 million.
"As the ANC, we affirm our commitment to the rule of law and the justice system of our country.
"The contribution of Cde Jacob Zuma towards the liberation of South Africa will not be forgotten, and therefore, there may be South Africans who wish to assist him with these huge legal costs.
"The ANC shall not discourage any South African who wishes to do so," says acting ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa.
The ruling party has also rejected a banner on social media, purporting to be raising funds for Zuma's legal costs.
"We have noted a social media banner in ANC colours purporting to be raising funds to pay legal costs on behalf of the former president.
"The ANC contacted Cde Zuma who has no knowledge of this.
"The ANC cautions South Africans to be wary of con and scam artists who want to exploit the name of the former President for nefarious objectives," adds Kodwa.