Zuma's really out of pocket
2005-06-21 12:16
Cape Town - Not only did former deputy-president Jacob Zuma pay a high political price this week when President Thabo Mbeki fired him from the cabinet, but he also faces losses which will soon hurt his pocket.
In terms of the code of ethics for cabinet members, Zuma loses his salary package of about R870 000 and will also lose his full-time security team and entourage, his chauffeurs and his official residence.
He also will forfeit the state's contribution to his medical aid as well as life assurance.
The president sacked Zuma this week in connection with Judge Hilary Squires' recent judgment in the Schabir Shaik trial.
The judge found Shaik guilty on charges of fraud and corruption.
Judge Squires said in his judgment that Zuma and Shaik, his financial adviser, had had a "generally corrupt
relationship".
Will have to quit official house
In terms of the cabinet members' code of ethics, Zuma and his family have to vacate his official residence in Pretoria within a month of the expiry of his term of office.
Presidential spokesperson Bheki Khumalo said on Wednesday
that Frank Chikane, director-general of the presidency, and Zuma would discuss the details of this move soon.
The office of the minister of public service and administration as well as that of the deputy president had not yet responded to enquiries about this.