Johannesburg - Embattled ANC leader and deputy president, Jacob Zuma, came close to resigning from government this week.

City Press can reveal that his move was an attempt to save the ANC and government from being dragged into Zuma's affairs, which threaten to taint the ruling party.

However it is understood Zuma has changed his mind.

Zuma, who this week saw details of his financial affairs presented in court in the corruption case involving his financial adviser and personal friend Schabir Shaik, reversed his decision after making what sources said was a personal assessment of the situation.

City Press understands after details of his alleged lack of control over his finances emerged in court this week, Zuma approached top ANC officials with a view to tendering his resignation.

Zuma is said to have expressed concern that allegations against him might impact negatively on the ANC.

However, he reconsidered the move, saying it could give ammunition to "old enemy agents" who he said were behind allegations which prompted the Scorpions' probe into his affairs.

He is said to have suggested to the ANC he could not give in to his enemies and preferred to hold onto office and fight till the bitter end.

However, Zuma's office on Saturday said it was not aware the deputy president had considered stepping down.

His office pointed out that Zuma, who is currently visiting Cuba, had throughout the process maintained he would not step down unless he was found guilty by a court of law.

In line with a position he had publicly taken earlier, Zuma on Friday again stood firm and said he would not resign or give in to mounting pressure. He said this during his visit in Ingwavuma in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The state alleges Shaik paid Zuma nearly R1.2 million in a bribe which Zuma solicited from beneficiaries of the multi-billion rand arms deal.

Revelations about Zuma's near-resignation come at a time when cabinet members have closed ranks around him. They instead lashed out at the conduct of the Scorpions and the national prosecuting authority for overstepping their mandate.

It is understood cabinet members have suggested the investigations against Zuma bear the hallmarks of orchestrated campaigns against the ANC by apartheid secret agents.

Concern has been expressed by some ANC leaders that during the establishment of the Scorpions, government and the security agencies might not have thoroughly screened certain members of the Scorpions who had worked in apartheid institutions. These individuals are thought to be behind the probe against Zuma.

ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe has also expressed concern about the conduct of the Scorpions during some of its raids.

Motlanthe appeared to be referring to guidelines and parameters set out for the directorate when dealing with suspects.

Guidelines in the act read: "Entering the premises (of a suspect) by the investigating director - any entry upon or search of any premises in terms of this section shall be conducted with strict regard to decency and order including:

(1) a person's right to respect for and protection for his or her dignity;

(2) the right of the person to freedom and security and

(3) the right to his or her personal privacy."

The clause appears to have been at the centre of criticism against Scorpions boss Bulelani Ngcuka by those who suggested he conducts his searches in a "Hollywood style".

Ngcuka has in the recent past tacitly admitted the Scorpions might have been too aggressive in their approach, though he also defended the Hollywood style, saying it "works".

Efforts to speak to Scorpions spokesperson Sipho Ngwema drew a blank on Saturday.

With acknowledgements to Jimmy Seepe and the City Press.