The DA and the ACDP yesterday called for Jacob Zuma to vacate his position as ANC deputy president after he was charged with rape and then granted bail of R20 000 in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court.

It is alleged that in early November, Zuma raped the 31-year-old daughter of a close family friend and comrade who died in exile.

The DA's justice spokeswoman Sheila Camerer said yesterday: "Given the seriousness of the charges, the DA trusts that Zuma will now immediately step aside from his offices in the ANC.

"It also would appear that this latest charge puts paid to Mr Zuma's chances of becoming the next president of South Africa."

She called on his supporters to allow the judicial process to run its course "free from unnecessary pressure and interference of the kind we have witnessed in his past two appearances in connection with his corruption trial".

Describing it as a personal tragedy for both Zuma and the complainant, Camerer said the decision by the NPA to charge him must be an indication of the strength of the prima facie case against him.

ACDP spokesman on Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Steve Swart, said: "We call upon the ANC that, should it be serious in its campaign of no violence against women and children, to suspend Zuma as ANC deputy president pending the outcome of the trial."

Swart commended the police and the National Prosecuting Authority for the speedy completion of their investigation into the rape allegation. However, he questioned why the media was "forcibly barred" from the courtroom.

Swart said the charge against Zuma "signifies prima facie evidence of a rape charge which must be answered by him. As in the corruption case, the public require an answer to this charge. The fact that Zuma has been charged sends a strong message to would-be rapists that no one, including high ranking political leaders, is above the law."

ID leader Patricia de Lille said: "I'm pleased the speculation is over about whether there was substance in the allegation and that he was finally charged."

De Lille said her heart went out to the survivor of the alleged attack because in South Africa, there was a tendency to ignore victims of rape.

IFP chief whip Koos van der Merwe said: "I'm shocked that there appears to be a prima facie case against Mr Zuma and the law must take its course."

UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said the charge and Zuma's court appearance would hopefully bring an end to the unsavoury speculation which had characterised this very serious and sensitive matter.

"We call upon the police and prosecution authorities to ensure a speedy trial, so that this matter is not dragged out any longer than necessary."

Young Communist League national secretary Buti Manamela said the league would continue to observe the court's proceedings and wished to reserve comment on the case.

The ANC Youth League could not be reached for comment. But both Cosatu and the SACP welcomed the news that Zuma had been charged.

Cosatu said it would afford the alleged victim an opportunity to pursue justice in a court of law, and afford the accused the same opportunity to defend himself in court.

With acknowledgements to Wendy Jasson da Costa and the Cape Times.