The second national anticorruption conference in Pretoria almost dissolved in disorder before it could get down to business yesterday, all because of a question about Deputy President Jacob Zuma — who was not even present.

The task of opening the two-day conference fell to President Thabo Mbeki, who urged business, government, and civil society delegates to come up with a "deliberate plan of work" for the National Anticorruption Forum, with defined responsibilities and accountability arrangements.

No sooner had he left the room than a delegate asked whether a review of anticorruption legislation by the summit would include the effectiveness of existing enforcement mechanisms, particularly where there was a conflict of interest.

A murmur arose from the auditorium when the delegate raised the example of the former director of public prosecutions and Zuma. The authority said it had prima facie evidence of corruption against Zuma, but would not prosecute due to a lack of evidence.

Chairman of the session John Ernstzen said he would not allow debate on cases currently before the courts, an apparent reference to Schabir Shaik's fraud and corruption trial, in which Zuma's name has often featured. The delegate responded that Zuma had not been charged, nor was the matter before court.

Another delegate demanded that the questioner "withdraw his words" as Zuma "has not been found guilty".

Ernstzen said: "I heard the intervention of the person who raised the question. He made it clear he was not making any allegations."

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Business Day.