Former deputy president Jacob Zuma pleaded not guilty in the Johannesburg High Court on Monday morning to raping a woman at his home on November 2 last year.

Reuters reports that he said he had sexual relations with the woman who lodged the accusation but that it was consensual.

"We had sex for some time. It was consensual," Zuma told a packed Johannesburg courtroom.

Sapa reports that in a statement handed to Judge Willem van der Merwe, Zuma admitted to sex with the complainant, but denied rape.

Zuma said the complainant visited his home and willingly stayed over for the night.

He said he and the women had sexual intercourse that lasted for some time.

At no stage did the woman say "no" or say she was having intercourse against her will.

Zuma said she had a cellphone with her and his daughter was in the house throughout the night.

He said the woman had made similar allegations against other people in the past.

In putting the charge to Zuma, State prosecutor Charin de Beer said that on or about November 2, 2005 in Epping street, Forest Town, Zuma allegedly assaulted and had unlawful sexual intercourse with the complainant.

Judge Van der Merwe asked Zuma, who stood in the dock, whether he understood the charge.

"Yes, it is clear," Zuma said.

Van der Merwe asked Zuma how he pleaded.

"Not guilty," he replied.

Zuma entered Court 4E shottly before 10am.

He was wearing a fawn coloured suit and was flanked by at least seven bodyguards.

People entering the court had to pass three security checks and police lined the outside passages and inside also prohibited reporters from sending SMS messages.

Both sides' legal teams were present and the first two rows of the gallery was taken up with supporters of the former deputy president, and the woman who laid the charge against him.

He is alleged to have raped a close family friend at his home in Forest Town inJohannesburg in November last year.

Liesl Gerntholtz, speaking at the One In Nine campaign earlier said that rape cases usually start with testimony from the complainant and then she can choose whether the trial is held in an open court or not.

With acknowledgement to the Independent Online and Sapa.