Jacob Zuma WILL keep hold of presidential perks – despite jail sentence

In the last 24 hours, South Africa has been dealing with the fallout from ConCourt’s landmark decision to send former President Jacob Zuma to jail. Msholozi has been told to serve 15 months in prison, after he was found guilty in his contempt of court case. However, there’s been some debate about his rights to ‘presidential perks’.

Will Jacob Zuma lose his state benefits? Nope…

When you’re the head of state, you get treated to a few financial bonuses: A pension worth almost R3 million per year, free flights, and spousal benefits stay with an individual after they leave office, too. But will these perks be in jeopardy now uBaba is heading to the slammer? Fortunately for him, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Solly Malatsi, a DA spokesperson, reminded South Africans that Jacob Zuma can’t lose any state benefits just because he’s been incarcerated: The Constitution has no guidance on this, simply due to the fact that lawmakers never foresaw such a circumstance actually happening. A president can only lose his taxpayer-funded luxuries if they are impeached.

“A former President can only lose [benefits] if impeached in office… They will continue to receive those benefits… The Constitution didn’t foresee circumstances like this… It does feel very wrong, particularly given Zuma’s disregard for the law. The abuse of the ANC’s Parliamentary majority has contributed to the situation we find ourselves in.” | Solly Malatsi

Presidential perks remain in place

This issue was raised a few years ago when Zuma’s corruption trial began in KZN. Even if JZ was to serve his sentence, and then be found guilty of ANOTHER offence, this still wouldn’t be enough to cut off his financial aid from the state.

“The simple answer is that nothing will happen to the benefits. Whether the former president is charged with all the alleged criminal offences or even when he is convicted, The only time you lose the benefits is if you are impeached by Parliament.”

Constitutional law expert Pierre De Vos, April 2018