It was Jacob Zuma's golden moment.

It began about three-quarters of the way through Judge Herbert Msimang's 40-minute judgment on whether he would grant the state a postponement in Zuma's corruption trial.

Following a synopsis of the case's background, Msimang noted: "We are enjoined by the constitution to treat (Zuma) in exactly the same manner as we would treat any other person (but) as equally important is that (he) should be treated no worse."

Zuma and his co-accused - Pierre Moynot, representing Thint Holdings - were suddenly paying even closer attention than before; they strained forward in the dock, following every syllable that the judge uttered.

And just about every word that Msimang spoke from that moment was critical of the National Prosecuting Authority, especially his comment that the state had taken a "precipitate decision" to charge Zuma a mere 12 days after what "they perceived to be their success in the Shaik trial".

Following that remark, it seemed almost inevitable that, a few minutes later, Msimang dismissed the state application for a postponement.

Zuma's crowd of supporters in court erupted and were reprimanded by the judge.

Zuma remained stone-faced, yet he perceptibly flushed, just as he had done during his rape trial when the not guilty verdict was pronounced.

A minute later, having been told by state advocate Anton Steynberg that the state was not ready to continue with the case now, the judge unceremoniously struck the case off the roll and the crowd erupted again. This time, though, they quickly controlled themselves and Zuma emerged from the court grinning from ear to ear.

I asked him how he felt about what had just happened, I asked him if he were feeling "over the moon".

He replied: "I am very, very pleased."

Outside, Zuma spoke to the crowd, looking happier than he had for months. He performed a full-on version of Awuleth' umshini Wam', his trademark song.

And he and his aides were not going to allow anything to tarnish the golden moment.

As he launched into the third verse of his song, a group walked towards the stage carrying a replica of a small coffin. At the top was a picture of President Thabo Mbeki.

The master of ceremonies immediately told them that they were not to come to Zuma's celebration and be "provocative".

The coffin was immediately dismantled and Zuma, 64, went on dancing.

This article was originally published on page 3 of The Mercury on September 21, 2006

With acknowledgement to Jeremy Gordin and Independent On Line.