Former finance minister Trevor Manuel has, through his legal team, welcomed the Supreme Court of Appeal’s finding that a statement the Economic Freedom Fighters issued last year accusing him of nepotism and corruption, was indeed defamatory. Of the appellate court’s decision to overturn the R500,000 in damages he was previously awarded, meanwhile, Manuel’s lawyer, Dario Milo, said on Thursday they were still discussing next steps.
“In relation to the referral for oral evidence of the damages award and the apology, we are discussing the way forward with our client.” Manuel – who vehemently denied the allegations – ended up turning to the South Gauteng High Court, where Judge Elias Matojane last May found in his favour and ordered the EFF to take the statement down, apologise, and cough up R500,000 in damages. The judge also interdicted the party from repeating the allegations.After an unsuccessful attempt to appeal Matojane’s ruling in the high court, the EFF turned to the SCA where arguments were heard last month and judgment was delivered yesterday.