Former deputy president Jacob Zuma, who has maintained his innocence after being implicated in the Schabir Shaik trial, will appear in court for the first time this morning.

Zuma faces two charges of corruption in the Durban Magistrate’s Court.

This follows a finding by the Durban High Court of a “generally corrupt” relationship between Zuma and Shaik, his financial adviser.

Shaik was sentenced to an effective 15 years in prison. However, he will apply for leave to appeal against his conviction on July 26.

Zuma, who was fired by President Thabo Mbeki on June 14, welcomed an announcement by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) a few days later that it would proceed with criminal charges against him.

He said the prosecution would afford him “an opportunity to respond to, and clarify the allegations that have been made against me over a period of time”.

Shortly after his sacking, Zuma told reporters: “Let me reiterate that my conscience is clear. I have not committed any crime against the state or the people of SA.”

Zuma has often demanded his day in court since 2003, when the former NPA boss Bulelani Ngcuka decided to prosecute Shaik.

At the time Ngcuka said although the NPA had “prima facie” evidence against Zuma, he would not be prosecuted as it would be impossible to win the case.

Strong supporters of Zuma have also called for Zuma to have his day in court, saying he should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Business Day.