The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has called for "maximum discipline" from its members as it gears up for Jacob Zuma's corruption trial, scheduled to start in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday.

At least 10 000 supporters are expected to turn up at the court. In a joint alliance media briefing yesterday, the ANC's provincial secretary, Senzo Mchunu, said the leaders from the various regions would be held accountable if anyone from their areas misbehaved.

Mchunu said they were responsible for "co-ordinating the support" for the party's deputy president as agreed upon by the alliance structures.

Yesterday it was clear the alliance would take no chances with disciplinary issues following the outcry after the burning of a T-shirt bearing the face of President Thabo Mbeki during one of Zuma's court appearances in Durban last year.

Mchunu said that apart from the arrangements made by the security forces, which included the closure of roads, they had also deployed 500 marshals to keep a watchful eye on those attending the night vigils and proceedings outside the court on Monday.

Mchunu said that although he expected "upwards from 10 000" people to pitch up at the court, it was impossible to estimate just how many people would show their support for Zuma at the night vigil in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday and outside the court on Monday.

He said that so far they were expecting 30 buses from townships in the Pietermaritzburg area alone and 15 from the eThekwini municipality.

Hawkers who sold food had also been approached to ensure that they had enough stock to cater for the hungry supporters.

Mchunu said 110 people could be accommodated in the court, with 70 of the seats reserved for family, friends and VIPs, while 35 seats had been set aside for the media.

The ANC's top brass, including secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe, ANC Youth League president Fikile Mbalula, the Youth League's secretary-general Sihkle Zikalala and Cosatu general-secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, were expected in court on Monday.

Mchunu said that after the court appearance, the crowd outside would be briefed by leaders from the ANC, Cosatu, Sanco and the SACP.

Meanwhile, Cosatu's march in support of Zuma will not go ahead in Durban today after the police turned down the request, saying that the SAPS and Metro police were over-stretched due to several events taking place in the city centre.

With acknowledgment to Wendy Jasson Da Costa and Cape Argus.