On several occasions over the past three years, Jacob Zuma has claimed to have been denied a chance to defend himself in court.

As early as the end of this week, he will finally get his chance to make his first court appearance.

Special Writer Estelle Ellis records many occasions when the former deputy president asked for his day in court.

December 2002
“The allegations are unfounded and completely baseless. I am ready to defend myself and will co-operate with any law enforcement agency that will investigate the case.”

July 2003
“I wish to express my unqualified support for the principle that every accused person is entitled to a fair investigation, uncontaminated by ulterior motives on the part of the investigating authorities, a speedy conclusion of the investigation and a fair trial in open court …that justice prevails.”

August 2003
“I have said many times before that anyone who thinks he has a case against me should take me to court and prove it, and not engage in a propaganda war and smear campaign.”

August 2003
“This investigation reminds me of Shakespeare’s Macbeth when he said after a long soliloquy: ‘It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.’ ”

September 2003
“I will go a long way towards demonstrating my innocence.”

September 2003
“I am being tried in the court of public opinion. My calling demands that I defend myself.”

November 2003
“I had been denied the opportunity to clear my name in a court of law. I focused on finding this ‘encrypted note’, given also the fact that this note was reportedly the genesis of the investigation against me.”

June 14 2005 (the day he was sacked by President Thabo Mbeki)
“I have been tried by the media and in fact been found guilty by a court in absentia. I have not been given an opportunity in an appropriate forum to defend myself against the allegations made.

I sincerely trust and hope that those authorised to take decisions… will act within a reasonable period with regard to the conclusion of this matter… I need to be given an opportunity to tell my side of the story and bring finality to these accusations and speculations.”

June 17 2005 (In an interview with SABC Africa, he struck a different chord)
“People are misunderstanding. There is no man who says: ‘Arrest me.’ I’m not standing here asking to please take me to court. It

With acknowledgements to Estelle Ellis and The Star.