Serious allegations have been made against Deputy President Jacob Zuma. These are contained in a charge sheet presented in the Durban Regional Court in the matter of the State v Schabir Shaik.

The state's case against Shaik rests on the alleged financial transactions that took place between companies owned by Shaik. Here the prosecution talks of a "general corrupt relationship". A picture is painted of a deputy president who lives beyond his means and who was, in violation of government and ANC rules, a secret shareholder in at least one company. Zuma's dealings with Shaik have not been proved; they are untested allegations, and should be treated as such.

However, on the ground, politics is more about public perceptions than the findings of a court of law. The truth is that Zuma's image and credibility have been severely dented.

Zuma will not have his day in court, at least for now. The Scorpions have already said they would not bringing any charges against him. However, the deputy president owes an explanation to his boss. And his boss owes an explanation to the nation.

Depending on the explanation offered by Zuma in a private meeting with the president, Mbeki should take appropriate action. It would also not harm the president to come out now and assure the country that he will deal ruthlessly in cases where corruption has been proved.

And indeed, if the allegations against Zuma can be shown to be true, Mbeki has to take action against his deputy. Given his commitment to a clean administration, Mbeki does not have the luxury of telling the nation that the matter is still in the hands of the courts. He needs to get Zuma to explain the allegations against him - and that explanation should come now.

And the ANC also owes us an explanation. According to the charge sheet, the ANC has shares in a company that benefited from the arms deal. Clearly it is unacceptable for the ruling party to use its influence to secure funding in the manner that has been outlined in the court papers.

With acknowledgement to The Star.