The ANC Women's League yesterday effectively turned on Jacob Zuma saying it was saddened that he was implicated in a rape, given that people had put their confidence and trust in him.

While respecting the rights of the "perpetrator" to be viewed as innocent until proven guilty, the ANCWL urged "both the state and society to act and provide the necessary support to the victim".

Significantly it noted that Zuma was once responsible for leading the Moral Regeneration Movement; had been the convener of the SA National Aids Council; and was the ANC deputy president.

Zuma is alleged to have raped a well-known Aids activist in his Johannesburg home in early November.

The 31-year-old woman is the daughter of a prominent ANC activist who died in exile. She apparently viewed Zuma as her uncle. The woman alleges that Zuma came to her room, offered to massage her, and when she refused, allegedly raped her.

Zuma insists he is innocent and has told supporters he had consensual sex.

Yesterday, the women's league said it was its responsibility as a women's organisation to raise the fact that "irrespective of a relationship", a "No from a woman means No and that has to be respected".

"Of serious concern is the vulnerability of the victim and the historical relations that both families had."

In its reaction, People Opposed to Women Abuse slammed the decision to grant the former deputy president R20 000 bail.

The organisation's Carrie Shelver said: "That's completely unacceptable. What kind of message is that? When you consider bail conditions you have to consider if he's a danger to the survivor or if he's a flight risk. We're trying to curb violence against women - R20 000 is inadequate."

Zuma, who was axed from the cabinet earlier this year, briefly appeared in the Johannesburg high court early yesterday by special arrangement. He was not asked to plead and was released on R20 000 bail. His next court appearance is on February 13 next year.

The Commission of Gender Equity welcomed Zuma's court appearance.

In a statement the CGE emphasised "that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty".

"At the same time we wish to reiterate that we do not seek to presume Zuma guilty, but we cannot keep quiet when there are allegations of violence against women."

Lisa Vetten, manager of the gender programme at the centre for the study of violence and reconciliation said yesterday: "It needed to happen. A case has been opened, so legal steps had to be taken. It will allow her to make her case and for him to make his case.

"It's necessary that the legal procedure takes place."

Vetten also reacted to reports that Zuma was brought to court before opening hours and that the court was cleared by the police and his bodyguards, effectively excluding the media from the public space.

"The police themselves must be careful. Any procedure not followed scrupulously will raise questions by members of the public."

With acknowledgements to Linda Daniels, Angela Quintal and the Cape Argus.