'Jacob Zuma is not the sum total of my business interests.'

So said the deputy president's defiant financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, on day three of his evidence at his corruption and fraud trial in the Durban High Court on Wednesday.

Apart from an irritated conversation in the morning with his legal team, with whom he has had a number of strained exchanges since taking the stand on Monday, Shaik's sombre mood lifted and made place for charm, confidence and even a little smile.

"There is a perception rooted in this country that I am successful because of Jacob Zuma. That is an insult. It gives no recognition to my business sense," he told Judge Hilary Squires.

Later he repeated: "I emphatically deny that I needed Zuma's help. It undermines my own business ability and confidence, and I reject all allegations with the resentment it deserves."

Shaik has pleaded not guilty to charges of corruption and fraud, relating mostly to his relationship with Zuma.

He told the court that he used Zuma's name on a proposal for an investment bank because the deputy president "was my friend and understood more about black economic empowerment (BEE) than most".

Shortly before 4pm, Shaik complained that he was feeling ill. "I am trying to catch my breath," he said, wiping his face with a towel.

When his counsel, Francois van Zyl SC, asked him another question, Shaik took out his sunglasses and asked Judge Squires if he could answer the question today.

It had been a long day and Shaik had done much talking.

This is a summary of what he said:

The state says: Zuma helped Shaik to sort out a dispute with French arms company Thomson after they had cut Shaik's company Nkobi off from an investment in African Defence Systems, a subcontractor in the arms deal.

Shaik's response: There was a meeting. Even though the minutes reflect that Zuma attended the meeting, he was not there.

"Zuma stopped by because Jean-Paul Perrier, from Thomson, wanted to say hello. At the end of the meeting, we were enjoying a cup of coffee. I phoned Zuma. He came to have a cup of coffee with us," Shaik said.

The state says: When Professor John Lennon from Caledonian University in Scotland wanted to start an ecotourism school in KwaZulu Natal, Zuma pushed for Shaik's company to be accepted as the BEE partner for the project. When Lennon seemed hesitant, Shaik threatened to speak to Zuma and do everything in his power to derail the project.

Shaik's response: He had never met Lennon before the trial. Lennon dealt with Nkobi's London agent, and Shaik assisted them in getting Zuma's signature on a letter of support. He said Nkobi was not a "non-profitable organisation" and expected to be drawn into the project in exchange for their help.

"It was clear to me that Lennon was failing to do what he should be doing. You cannot consult BEE consultants if you hit a wall and then forget about them as soon as the action starts.

"I might have, and in all likelihood would have, met with Zuma on this issue. I took no steps to stop the project."

The state says: Shaik asked for Zuma's help when he was sidelined by Malaysian company Renong in bidding for the Point Development in Durban. David Wilson from Renong has said in a statement that he sensed that Shaik tried to intimidate him. He also said he had a meeting with Shaik and Zuma at Shaik's apartment, where he formed the distinct impression that Zuma was in Shaik's pocket.

Shaik's response: He contacted Wilson because he had a better proposal for Renong's bid. He did not try to intimidate him. Zuma was involved in the project as KwaZulu Natal MEC for economic affairs and tourism. He was trying to negotiate an equitable BEE deal.

"I never had a meeting with Wilson and Zuma in my apartment or anywhere else," Shaik said. He denied that he asked for Zuma's help, saying that he alone had first introduced Renong to South Africa.

The trial continues.

With acknowledgements to Estelle Ellis and The Star.