For some the Schabir Shaik corruption trial is little more than a courtroom melodrama, albeit with a high-profile cast.

But a number of political commentators believe the trial, now adjourned after eight weeks, was one of the most significant political events of the year.

Some say the case highlights how the new political elite enrich themselves and that the outcome, as well as perceptions of the trial, may affect who succeeds President Thabo Mbeki.

Judge Hillary Squires said from the outset that Deputy President Jacob Zuma was not on trial, but his name appeared on virtually every page of the charge sheet, while most testimonies referred to his relationship to Shaik.

One of the main corruption charges is that Shaik solicited a bribe from a French arms company for Zuma in return for the deputy president's protection in the arms deal investigation. Shaik has denied this.

Human Sciences Research Council political analyst Dr Adam Habib said the trial showed up many of the contradictions within the government and the "battle for the heart and soul of the ANC".

The trial "has such significant implications about who would succeed (Mbeki)", Habib said. "Zuma is quite popular on the ground. But whatever happens at the Shaik trail, I think his credibility has been tainted."

Idasa analyst Judith February believes the trial is echoed in the contentious debates about the limits of black economic empowerment. "Many debates this year were whether politics is about money," February said.

Academic and Social Movements spokesman Dale McKinley said, "(The trial's revelations) foretell in some ways the ability of the new elite and state to enrich themselves and dispense patronage and get away with it".

He was, nevertheless, somewhat sympathetic to Zuma.

Referring to the controversial multimillion-rand Telkom deals, he said, "There is all this tension around Zuma and the real big fish are getting away. It's what happens in the US; they catch the guys that are vulnerable and the big ones get off the hook."

With acknowledgements to Christelle Terreblanche and the Sunday Tribune.