Jacob Zuma loses in court: Here’s how he must apologise to Derek Hanekom

The battle between Jacob Zuma and Derek Hanekom has come to a conclusion in the courts. It was ruled that Msholozi has no road left to travel on this particular journey, as he was ordered to apologise to Derek Hanekom over claims that the ANC stalwart was “a known enemy spy”.

Derek Hanekom wins defamation case

However, when the apology comes, one must question just how sincere Jacob Zuma’s address will be. Considering that the decision to make him say sorry has already been appealed, it’s not like the banging of a gavel will instil remorse and regret into the former president.

However, the legal ruling handed down on Thursday – which argued no other court would adjudicate differently in this case – means that Derek Hanekom will get more than just an apology in name. Several caveats have been added onto the judgement, ensuring that Zuma’s legally-binding apology must meet the following criteria:

How Jacob Zuma must apologise to Derek Hanekom:

Delete this Tweet

The court has asked him to remove this message from his Twitter feed. The judgement was passed down just after midday, but as of 16:00, it still appeared on Jacob Zuma’s profile. We’re not off to a great start.

I’m not surprised by @Julius_S_Malema revelations regarding @Derek_Hanekom. It is part of the plan I mentioned at the Zondo Commission. @Derek_Hanekom is a known enemy agent.

— Jacob G Zuma (@PresJGZuma) July 25, 2019

Jacob Zuma must pay R500 000 to Derek Hanekom

Chatting smack about someone in a defamatory way comes with a severe price. The judge upheld the decision to make Zuma fork-out half-a-million rand, adding to his legal woes. The ex-president is believed to owe around R16 million to the state for dishonestly using taxpayer money to fight other court battles.

Hanekom, meanwhile, has confirmed he will be donating the money to charity.

Jacob Zuma must issue a public apology

He has to actually say the words, rather than just accept the judgement. Whether Jacob Zuma will issue a statement, or simply use his Twitter page again, some form of apology must be published for the record. In this case, “sorry” genuinely seems to be the hardest word.

He also has to uphold these two concessions

In a statement released a short while ago, Derek Hanekom revealed some hidden terms and conditions of Thursday’s verdict. Namely, the president has conceded that his former comrade “is in no way an apartheid spy”, and he’s also agreed to stop questioning Hanekom’s “struggle credentials”. Should JZ lapse and reiterate these allegations, he could be found in contempt of court, sparking another legal wrangle.

You can read a full statement from the successful claimant here, as we wait for Zuma to formally apologise:

Thanks to a great legal team, who really believe in truth and justice! pic.twitter.com/dQnAku5yGL

— Derek Hanekom (@Derek_Hanekom) November 7, 2019