South Africa`s Zuma admits actions `inconsistent` with constitution

Gauteng: South African President Jacob Zuma defended himself Friday 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.