Zuma Home Controversy: Opposition have until Friday to respond to repayment offer

South Africa’s constitutional court has given opposition parties up to Friday to formally respond to President Zuma’s offer to repay money used to renovate his private home at Nkandla or the matter be taken ahead.

President Zuma announced on Tuesday that he would repay about $23 million which was illegally spent on his home.

The funds covered the construction of a swimming pool, a cattle enclosure and an amphitheatre.

The Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters political parties have expressed their intention to take court action on the matter.

Zuma wants the finance minister and the audit office to determine the exact amount he should refund.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela raised the matter in the 2014 report “Secure in Comfort,” when she accused Zuma of “unethical conduct.”

The hearing on the matter has been set for February 9.