The presidency agreed to fund a watching brief for former deputy president Jacob Zuma during the trial of Durban businessman Schabir Shaik after considering a recommendation by the chief state law advisor, deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Mlambo-Ngcuka was answering a question from Sheila Camerer of the Democratic Alliance during question time in the National Assembly.

Camerer asked whether the presidency had, at any time, contributed any funds from the money budgeted for the presidency, or legal and other assistance to Zuma in relation to the Shaik trial and the charges currently faced by Zuma.

Mlambo-Ngcuka said the presidency agreed to fund the watching brief for Zuma because of the uniqueness of the case and the fact that while Zuma had not been charged, most of the allegations in the trial involved him directly.

Mlambo-Ngcuka said as yet no payments have been made from the presidential budget. She said the presidency often seeks the guidance of the state law advisor in "matters like this".

Responding, Camerer said the DA has made it known that the "generally corrupt" relationship which was found to have existed between Zuma and Shaik was not conducted in the course of Zuma's duties either as an MEC or as deputy president.

ANC chief whip Mbulelo Goniwe responded by pointing out that there was "not even a murmur" when people like Wouter Basson and Magnus Malan received funding from the state to pay for their defence during their own trials.

With acknowledgements to Susan Segar and The Natal Witness.