Is it time for Zuma to sell his socks? Trial date set after 20 years, R28.9m of taxpayers' money

The State Attorney has confirmed Jacob Zuma has failed to counter its R28.9 million legal fees claim against him - as the former president, who once said he would have to sell his socks to pay his lawyers, faces a long and expensive trial next year.

On Thursday, KwaZulu-Natal High Court Judge Nkosinathi Chili confirmed Judge President Thoba Portia Poyo-Dlwati had reserved dates between April and September next year for Zuma to finally face trial - 20 years after the former president was first charged with arms deal corruption.

Speaking to News24 after Chili postponed the case to 29 August for another pre-trial conference, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said the State was confident Zuma did not have the legal right to delay the case against him with any further attempts to force the removal of prosecutor Billy Downer.