Parliament - President Jacob Zuma's attorneys were paid more than R8.8 million to represent him in court during the past four years, according to Justice Minister Jeff Radebe.
In a written reply to a parliamentary question, tabled on Wednesday, he said law firm Hulley and Associates received R7 945 971 in 2009/10, R570 068 in 2010/11, and R327,890 in 2012/13.
The cases involved included those relating to the multi-billion-rand arms deal as well as the so-called spy tapes matter.
The question was posed by Democratic Alliance MP Debbie Schafer.
In a statement on Wednesday, she said her party intended submitting follow-up questions on the amount paid. This was in an effort to clarify what portion of the R8.8m was paid in fees to Zuma's private lawyer, Michael Hulley.
“(Also to) clarify if this amount is in addition to the R2.3m referred to in the response (to a previous question) from the presidency.”
This response had also indicated that Hulley was employed on a part-time basis as Zuma's special legal adviser, at a rate of just under R700 per hour, a very low rate for a senior attorney.
“The amount of money that is being spent on President Zuma’s legal fees is an insult to all South Africans who are forced to pay for this ever-increasing legal bill, especially given that many people are unable to afford legal services.
“It is time for the president to stop wasting taxpayers’ time and money and face his charges,” she said.
Sapa