South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has made a U-turn in court over his refusal to repay some of the $23m (£15m) of state money used to upgrade his home.
His lawyer admitted he was wrong to ignore an anti-corruption watchdog’s report to pay back money spent on features such as a swimming pool. The opposition brought the case, hoping it will open the way for impeachment proceedings against the president.
Thousands of people protested outside court, shouting “Zuma must fall”.
Police put up a strong show of force, as the protesters, led by Julius Malema’s left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), marched to the court in the main city, Johannesburg.
The main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) also organised its own demonstration. The governing African National Congress (ANC) denounced the marches as a “political exercise”.
Mr Zuma’s lawyer Jeremy Gauntlett conceded in court that the report was “binding” on the president, and he was prepared to repay the money within 90 days. However, he denied that Mr Zuma had violated the constitution.
