South African President Jacob Zuma defended himself today after a damning court judgement over public funds used to upgrade his private residence, but admitted his conduct was "inconsistent" with the constitution.
"I... Respect the finding that failure to comply with the remedial action taken against me by the public protector is inconsistent with the constitution," he said, in a televised address that some predicted would be a resignation speech.
"I wish to emphasise that I never knowingly and deliberately set out to violate the constitution," he added.
"The matter has caused a lot of frustration and confusion, for which I apologise, on my behalf and on behalf of government.
"I urge all parties to respect the judgement and abide by it."
Zuma faced a chorus of calls to step down after the Constitution Court delivered a highly critical verdict yesterday on his conduct after a swimming pool, chicken run, cattle enclosure and amphitheatre were built at his rural homestead as so-called "security" measures.
The president had refused the public protector's orders to repay money spent on the upgrades, which became a symbol of alleged corruption and greed within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party.
"Any action that has been found not to be in keeping with the Constitution happened because of a different approach and different legal advice," Zuma said in his speech.
"It all happened in good faith and there was no deliberate effort or intention to subvert the Constitution on my part.
