Schabir Shaik's trial on two main charges of corruption and a third of fraud is due to start in Durban today.

The charges relate to what the State has described as the "general corrupt relationship" between Schabir Shaik, his companies and Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

The State alleges that one of Shaik's companies, Nkobi Holdings, made a number of payments, totalling at least R1.2 million, to Zuma in exchange for his influence and the use of his "name".

The State further alleges that Shaik solicited a bribe of R1m for Zuma from the French arms company now called Thint. Shaik has not yet been asked to plead to these charges.

An application by e.tv to broadcast the trial will be heard this morning.

Also expected in court is Zuma's legal team. Zuma is mentioned in the chargesheet, but he has not been charged with Shaik.

At this stage it is not known whether he will be giving evidence.

With acknowledgements to Estelle Ellis, Jeremy Gordin and the Cape Argus.