The National Prosecuting Authority took the decision last Monday.

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma will not face the 783 corruption charges the High Court in Pretoria insisted must be reinstated.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on May 23 decided not to reinstate the corruption charges that were dropped in 2009. The International Business Times newspaper  cited Chief Prosecutor Shaun Abrahams  of saying on May 23, he will appeal against the decision of the High Court, arguing that corruption charges against Zuma should be reinstated.

The main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) recently brought a motion to the Pretoria High Court to reinstate the corruption charges and the court in a ruling  said, dropping the 783 charges was "irrational" and did not follow correct procedure, International Business Times reported. Reports say the charges against Zuma were withdrawn in 2009 by then Director of Public Prosecutions Mokotedi Mpshe on grounds of alleged political interference in the case, related to a 1999 multi-billion-dollar arms deal. 

The deal concerned 5 billion U.S. Dollars that enabled the ruling party, African National Congress (ANC) to purchase weapons to modernize the country’s defence force. Reacting after the ruling of the National Prosecuting Authority, the Democratic Alliance in a statement said, "The NPA waited until the 11th hour to announce its appeal – and in doing so effectively told the people of South Africa that more public money will fund the process to delay President Zuma from finally having his day in court," International Business Times quoted.

The ruling not to reinstate the corruption charges come as a big moment of relief to President Zuma who has been facing mounting political pressure. Opposition activists have urged him to step down following growing discontent and allegations of corruption. The president is accused, among other things, of having close ties with the controversial Gupta family who are accused of wielding excessive political influence in the country. The Gupta family denies the allegations. In April this year, a commission set up by Zuma cleared those involved in the deal of any wrongdoing.