Former deputy president Jacob Zuma’s trial date has been set for July 31 next year in the Durban High Court, the National Prosecuting Authority said today.

"As the NPA we are very pleased with this as it offers us what we wanted all the time - which is enough time to prepare for this case," the prosecuting authority’s spokesman Makhosini Nkosi said.

The date was agreed on by the NPA, Zuma’s defence team and the Judge President of KwaZulu-Natal, Vuka Tshabalala. "This guarantees, or ensures Mr Zuma a speedy trial," Nkosi said.

So far, Zuma faces two charges of contravening the Corruption Act, brought after the conviction and sentencing of his former financial adviser Schabir Shaik on fraud and corruption charges.

Shaik is out on bail pending appeal.

Zuma’s attorney Michael Hulley said he was "perfectly happy" with the trial date, "given the time constraints and nature of the [court] roll".

He said the NPA would deliver the indictment to his offices on November 2 and that Zuma would be formally charged during a brief court appearance on November 12.

The charges against Zuma relate to alleged bribery in exchange for protection during the country’s multi-million rand arms deal.

His second appearance in Durban Magistrate’s Court was adjourned today with the agreement of the State and the defence to allow the serving of an indictment on Zuma, to set a trial date and to enable further investigation.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Business Day.