Durban - Changes could still be made to the 63-page charge sheet against businessman Schabir Shaik, who has been accused of using his friendship with deputy president Jacob Zuma to win lucrative contracts for his company, Nkobi Holdings.

Gerda Ferreira, the deputy director of the Scorpions, said yesterday the preliminary charge sheet was the best that could be drafted in the time available before Shaik's first court appearance this week.

"Once everything has been completed, the prosecutor will compile the final version, which will be in a different format as required by the high court," she said.

Neither Ferreira nor Reeves Parsee, Shaik's attorney, expected any substantial content changes.

However, Shaik hit out at the charge sheet. "The author deserves the Pulitzer Prize for the fictional story of espionage, arms dealing and corruption.

"The facts in our possession tell a completely different story and will make equally fascinating reading when they are reported."

His case would be backed by evidence including photographs, letters and witness accounts, he said.

Shaik denied allegations that he had used Zuma to further Nkobi's interests in the establishment of an ecotourism school in KwaZulu-Natal and the development of Durban's Point Waterfront.

"As minister of economic development and tourism at the time, Zuma had a right to be kept informed of foreign direct investments being made in the province."

Shaik admitted Zuma had signed two letters written on his behalf to Professor John Lennon from Glasgow University, who wanted to set up an ecotourism school in the province, but said it was common practice for ministers to delegate their letter writing.

The school was never established. However, the department of economic development and tourism said it could still be on the cards.

According to the charge sheet, the night before Renong's chairman, David Wilson, was due to make a presentation to Mzi Khumalo from the Point Waterfront Company, Shaik met him in the Nkobi offices and tried to persuade him to use Nkobi as an empowerment partner, rather than Vulindlela.

Shaik dismissed the allegation, saying Khumalo had set up his own empowerment company, which he was backing for the joint venture while continuing to support Vulindlela's bid.

"I told Wilson, Renong's South African representative, that he should rather choose Vulindlela, which Nkobi had recommended, as Nkobi was very influential."

Khumalo declined to comment.

A date for the trial will be set at a court hearing on October 3.

With acknowledgements to Margie Inggs and the Business Report.