While the ANC regrets the court's decision to dismiss Tony Yengeni's appeal, some opposition parties urged the convicted fraudster to now submit to the state's hospitality and start his prison sentence.

"Given the contribution that Tony Yengeni has made towards the achievement of a united and democratic South Africa and appreciating the sacrifices he has made over the years of his involvement in the struggle, this outcome is deeply saddening and regrettable," ANC spokesman Smuts Ngonyama said.

Nelson Mandela's spokeswoman Zelda le Grange said the former president felt it was regrettable that Yengeni would be serving a jail sentence.

"The rule of law should be respected and we should therefore accept the outcome in this matter," she said.

But United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa was more pragmatic on hearing the news.

"He had the right to appeal, but now he has no choice but to serve his sentence. It's purely academic," he said.

Democratic Alliance chief whip Douglas Gibson expressed similar sentiments.

"Mr Yengeni should now stop his kicking and screaming and respect the verdict handed down to him."

He said it was important for the public to realise that even significant figures in the ANC were not above the law.

Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille, who was instrumental in exposing the fraud, said the news that Yengeni was "finally going to jail" was a good sign and hoped that others responsible for arms deal corruption would join him.

"Yengeni did the crime, now he must do the time," she said accusing him of "clogging up the justice system with his appeals".

ACDP MP Steve Swart said this should show that no person was above the law.

But Inkatha Freedom Party chief whip Koos van der Merwe was more sympathetic.

"I feel very sorry for Mr Yengeni. He was a valued colleague and wish him all the strength to get through this traumatic experience," he said.

With acknowledgements to Boyd Webb and the Cape Times.