Deputy President Jacob Zuma had to defend himself in parliament on Wednesday as MPs shifted the focus from errant members in their own ranks to the cabinet.

Zuma answered questions in the national assembly and said he was not aware of any current or former cabinet ministers who transgressed the code of conduct for the executive, and neither had he.

He said he was only aware of media allegations against a former cabinet member.

Both the late defence minister Joe Modise and former transport minister Mac Maharaj have been accused of allegedly benefiting from the government's arms deal.

Zuma was asked by Democratic Alliance chief whip Douglas Gibson about allegations that he was paid nearly R500 000 a year by arms deal kingpin Shabir Sheik, an allegation being investigated by the Scorpions.

"You're alleged to have solicited payment of R500 000 per annum from an arms dealer. Instead of staying quiet, now is the moment to protest your innocence before parliament and before the people of South Africa. They need to hear you deny the allegations and lift the cloud of suspicion that's been cast over your head."

But Zuma could not be moved and said simply: "I denied this and the newspapers published this."

Asked whether the government would take action if allegations against ministers were brought to his attention, Zuma said he was not aware of any.

"I think it is proper for us that we don't take action on basis of allegations, otherwise we will take action against everybody... and we will encourage people to deal with their opponents by merely issuing allegations," Zuma said.

With acknowledgements to Christelle Terreblanche and Daily News.