The DA says it was "extraordinary" that Deputy President Jacob Zuma had been given new responsibility as watchdog over the "second economy", before judgment in the Schabir Shaik trial had been delivered.

A Sunday newspaper reported that President Thabo Mbeki had tasked Zuma with overseeing government programmes to grow the second economy and integrate the poor into the economic mainstream. He had assigned the role to Zuma last year, but the decision had taken time to implement.

Chief government strategist Joel Netshitenzhe's policy co-ordination and advisory services unit was preparing its first report for Zuma and expected to present it in about two weeks, the newspaper said.

However, DA finance spokesman Ian Davidson said he was surprised that the president had "almost cocked a snook" at the fact that judgment was still to be delivered in the trial of the Durban businessman, who the prosecution claims had a corrupt relationship with Zuma.

"One needs a champion. But the fact that he (Zuma) has been given this role is extraordinary. One would think out of respect they would hold off till judgment has been delivered."

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Cape Times.