Shaik 'still giving to Zuma'

2005-02-23 07:45

Nivashni Nair

Durban - Despite standing trial for alleged corrupt payments made to and on behalf of Jacob Zuma, Schabir Shaik is still financially supporting the deputy president.

This was revealed on Tuesday during Shaik's second day in the witness box at the Durban High Court.

Shaik told the court he continued to make payments to Zuma even after the State's search and seizure operation in 2001 and "[I] continue to do so to this day".

He said after the state started its investigation he continued to pay Zuma's children's education fees and contributed financially to the family.

New to the public gallery on Tuesday was Shaik's wife, Zuleka, who was for the first time since the start of the trial exposed to the proceedings and the media frenzy.

Seated next to his brother Mo, Zuleka listened attentively as her husband told the court that Zuma was so deep in debt that former president Nelson Mandela "wanted to assist him financially to get back on his feet".

According to Shaik, Mandela feared that Zuma's financial situation would affect his African National Congress duties.

Shaik told the court that at one stage, Zuma planned to retire from politics so as to provide for his "sizeable family".

Apparently Shaik stepped in, advised his friend not to retire and started to support him financially.

Judge Hillary Squires on Tuesday raised an eyebrow and asked: "You never suggested to him to reduce his standard of living?"

Shaik replied that at the time of his first payment, the bulk of Zuma's R12 000 salary went towards the upkeep of his house, wives and children.

Squires enquired what was wrong with the government-provided vehicle that Zuma had to have a Mercedes Benz.

When Shaik replied that the government provided Zuma with a travel allowance, Squires quickly remarked: "Then why couldn't he pay for his own Mercedes Benz?"

Squires seemed surprised with Shaik's explanation that there was too much red tape for the government to pay for the car and asked: "Even for a minister or the deputy president?"

Shaik said yes.

Shaik told the court that he did not expect Zuma to repay him for his contributions to the ANC which were made on his behalf. In fact, he did not expect Zuma to repay him at all.

"I thought he'd find it in his heart to pay me. If not, it also doesn't matter," he said.

When asked by defence advocate Francois van Zyl if he made payments to Zuma in return for his influence, Shaik loudly replied, "Absolutely not, my lord."

The trial continues.

- The Witness