/ 30 September 2012

Zuma’s eldest still owes wedding planner R1.5m

President Zuma's eldest son Edward at his wedding on October
President Zuma's eldest son Edward at his wedding on October

The eldest son of President Jacob Zuma still owes R1.5-million for his 2011 wedding, according to a report on Sunday.

The Sunday Independent reported that wedding planner Paul Mann said he instructed his attorney to attach the assets of Edward Zuma and his wife Pumelele.

"Zuma is untrustworthy, he makes countless empty promises that he can't keep, and I am just tired of him," Mann told the paper.

"I told my attorney that I am no longer interested in Zuma's stories, his lies and excuses and they should do what they need to do to get him to pay, I am tired."

Zuma paid a R1-million deposit for the R2.5-million wedding.

Mann told the Sunday Independent that he has had to foot the bill for some of the expenses while waiting for Zuma to pay the money he owed.

In May, Mann filed papers in the Durban High Court, ordering Edward to pay the outstanding amount and interest at a rate of 15.5% a year.

Mann said when the sheriff arrived at the Zuma's property, Zuma made a payment of R400 000 and was allowed to keep his assets.

In September the sheriff was instructed to carry out the order but Zuma asked for more time and a payment plan.

Mann's attorney told the paper that a payment plan was drafted and sent to Zuma's attorney but it has not been signed.

"We have to date never received that signed agreement … from either Zuma or his attorney," he said.

Zuma married Phumelele Shange in October last year and their reception for 500 guests was held at the Tala Game Reserve near Camperdown. – Sapa.