By Wendy Jasson da Costa
The state will still foot the bill for some of Jacob Zuma's bodyguards, telephone calls and even stationery as long as he wants them, given that he is a former deputy president and entitled to these perks.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, who was replying in writing to a parliamentary question from the Democratic Alliance's Roy Jankielsohn.
Zuma was fired as South African deputy president in June and formally charged with corruption soon after.
Pahad said these perks were extended to Zuma in terms of cabinet approved guidelines for support services, benefits and privileges to which other former presidents, their vice and deputy presidents as well as spouses and widows were entitled.
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"These services to Zuma, as with all former presidents and deputy and vice-presidents, will be rendered for as long as he prefers to make use of these," said Pahad.
The limited support covers such issues as transport, security, secretarial assistance, research assistance, office accommodation, telephone services, basic office equipment and stationery.
Former presidents PW Botha and FW de Klerk also benefit from these services.
Zuma's security detail in particular has raised eyebrows among some opposition parties, although his supporters argue that this is justified given his current position and based on "threat analysis".
The issue was raised when Zuma's police protection clashed with armed members of the Scorpions during a raid on his Forest Town, Johannesburg, home.
Among the perks Zuma has lost includes the use of three official residences in Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban and a salary of R72 000 a month, including a R14 000 car allowance.
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This article was originally published on page 1 of Daily News on November 23, 2005
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