Durban - Deputy President Jacob Zuma's political future hangs by a thread following Judge Hilary Squires's finding that there was overwhelming and convincing evidence that the relationship between Zuma and his financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, was corrupt.

Although judgment has not been concluded in the fraud and corruption trial, the judge's depiction of Zuma's relationship with Shaik could well have far- reaching consequences for Zuma and the ANC.

A guilty verdict could revive the spectre of prosecuting Zuma for corruption, as well as a further round of queries about aspects of the arms deal.

But even as matters stand, Squires's findings on Shaik's role as Zuma's financial benefactor are certain to fuel a political row simmering since the first claims of corruption in the arms deal surfaced in 1999.

While there are already calls for Zuma to leave political office, Zuma has up to now had the backing of influential sectors of the ANC tripartite alliance who would like to see him succeed President Thabo Mbeki.

Zuma is not on trial and has not testified but the nature of his relationship with Shaik was closely scrutinised by Judge Squires yesterday.

The result was more than a little battering to Zuma's image.

It also called into question a previous controversial finding by parliament's ethics and members' interest committee that cleared Zuma of charges that he failed to declare benefits because the monies he received were interest-bearing loans.

Judge Squires said the relationship between the cash-strapped Zuma and Shaik was "symbiotic" and could not have failed to make Zuma feel obliged to assist Shaik in his business endeavours.

The only repayment Zuma could offer was by using his political office to help Shaik.

Judge Squires said Shaik had an interest in concealing that payments were made to Zuma.

The state was right to question the authenticity of acknowledgments of debt and a subsequent revolving loan agreement drawn up between them.

He mooted that this rudimentary contract was in fact drawn up with a view to meeting the needs of new regulations requiring members of provincial and national legislatures to declare their interests.

Squires said that rather than a liability, these loans were a benefit to Zuma with no date set for repayment and no security asked even though Zuma had a bad record of defaulting on debt.

Shaik's financial assistance to Zuma ranged from clothing purchased from Casanova outfitters to free accommodation in a Durban flat and financial help in educating Zuma's children. Shaik had made it possible for Zuma to live beyond his means.

Judge Squires rejected the argument that some of this assistance was to the ANC rather than to Zuma himself.

He said there were several times when Shaik sought and received help from Zuma's political status. This was a quid pro quo. Shaik was anything but a fool and he believed that Zuma was destined for "high, if not the highest political office".

While most observers are waiting until Judge Squires completes his judgment, the Rhodes University-based Public Service Accountability Monitor has called on President Thabo Mbeki to dismiss Zuma immediately.

Its director, Colm Allan, said the judge had found overwhelming evidence of a "generally corrupt" relationship and that Shaik's payments to Zuma were a benefit under the definition of corruption. He had also found Shaik had asked for Zuma's help in securing contracts, help that Zuma was ready to provide.

Presidential spokesman Bheki Khumalo said the trial had not ended and it was presumptuous for people to issues statements at this stage.

Allan said the parliamentary code of conduct stated "members should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals... that may influence them in the performance of their official duties".

"Given the overt conflict of interests between his official responsibilities and his private financial interests involving Shaik, it is astonishing that the deputy president has thus far escaped the censure of the president, parliament and the public protector," Allan said.

"No matter what the final outcome, the judgment so far leaves little doubt that Zuma cannot be considered a fit and proper person to serve in any capacity, least of all as this country's deputy president.

"The action the president and ANC take will be a test of the ANC national executive committee's commitment to adopt a firm anti-corruption stance."

Zuma's spokeswoman, Lakela Kaunda, has declined to comment.

With acknowledgements to Chiara Carter and the Cape Times.