The African National Congress has exposed its blatant hypocrisy in its reaction to the allegations of bribery, corruption and inappropriate conduct by Deputy President Jacob Zuma, the Democratic Alliance said on Monday.

"Despite the fact that the Scorpions are taking these allegations seriously, the ANC has dismissed them as 'really a very minor thing' and 'really just allegations'," DA spokesperson Raenette Taljaard said in a statement.

When allegations against former DA Western Cape leader Gerald Morkel arose in very similar circumstances earlier this year, the ANC called for his head.

The ANC repeatedly accused the DA and its leader of refusing to take action against Morkel, she said.

At the very least, Zuma's continuing relationship with his financial advisor Schabir Shaik - extending even to inviting him along on his official overseas trips - was extremely inappropriate.

Shaik, a director of African Defence Systems, is under investigation by the Scorpions over an alleged arms deal bribe.

He accompanied Zuma on a trip to Senegal in April.

"But over and above this, the allegations of corruption and bribery against Mr Zuma are far more serious than any of those levelled against Mr Morkel," Taljaard said.

"It might be Mr Zuma's right to invite whomever he likes to accompany him on his international trips, as his spokesperson asserted.

"But as a senior public office-bearer, not to mention the leader of South Africa's moral regeneration campaign, the Deputy President has a responsibility to behave within tighter constraints than an ordinary citizen."

If the ANC was at all consistent, it would take action against Zuma for his inappropriate relationship with Shaik.

"In addition, President (Thabo) Mbeki should appoint a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegations of bribery and corruption, and the ANC should welcome such an appointment," Taljaard said.

Zuma has denied the allegations against him.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and www.iafrica.co.za