Jacob Zuma was released from prison on Friday, August 11, 2023, after the Department of Correctional Services granted him a special remission.

11 August 2023

Published By Everything ZA

Zuma had been serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court, but the Constitutional Court ruled in July 2023 that his release on medical parole in September 2021 was unlawful.

Zuma reported to Estcourt prison on Friday morning, but he was released within a couple of hours after a “remission process has been effected”, according to Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale. Thobakgale said that Zuma had been granted a special remission of sentence in terms of section 105(3) of the Correctional Services Act, which allows for the release of a prisoner who has served two-thirds of their sentence and has shown good conduct.

Zuma’s release has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed his release, while others have criticized it. The African National Congress has said that it respects the decision of the Department of Correctional Services, while the opposition Democratic Alliance has said that Zuma’s release is “a slap in the face of justice”.

It is unclear what Zuma will do now that he has been released from prison. He has said that he wants to “rest and relax”, but he is also facing a number of legal challenges, including charges of corruption and racketeering.

It remains to be seen what the long-term impact of Zuma’s release will be. However, it is clear that his release is a significant event in South African politics.