State law advisers are looking at the corruption charges levelled against former deputy president Jacob Zuma to determine whether they relate directly to his role in the government and therefore qualify him for state legal aid.

On Monday government spokeseperson Joel Netshitenzhe said although the government had noted and accepted the decision to prosecute Zuma, it had to be remembered that "he is no longer deputy president of the country".

"The state law advisers will assess the charges and come to a determination whether the charges relate to any of his (Zuma's) roles in government," Netshitenzhe said. If so, the state would cover Zuma's legal costs.

He added that the government would continue to closely monitor the situation.

Sources in the justice department said Zuma might well qualify for the state to foot his legal bill - likely to run into millions - because the two charges of corruption relate to his tenure as both economic affairs MEC in KwaZulu-Natal and deputy president of the country.

However, his sacking as a member of the cabinet could complicate matters.

Zuma lost an annual salary of nearly R900 000 last week after President Thabo Mbeki fired him.

On Monday ANC spokesperson Smuts Ngonyama said the ANC would not be paying for any of Zuma's legal costs.

At least one financial lifeline is believed to be open to Zuma in the form of a clique of wealthy businessmen in KwaZulu-Natal, who have reportedly set up a trust fund for cash-strapped Zuma.

On Monday chief state law adviser Enver Daniels refused to speculate on whether the state would pay Zuma's legal costs and referred inquiries to the director-general in the Presidency, Reverend Frank Chikane.

Presidency spokesperson Bheki Khumalo, however, said Chikane "would not be drawn into the matter today".

Last year, Daniels confirmed that the state would be prepared to pick up Zuma's tab if the matter was referred to his office.

With acknowledgements to Sheena Adams and the Cape Argus.