Pietermaritzburg : On the eve of the start of former deputy president Jacob Zuma's trial on corruption charges, calls for a renewed probe into the arms deal dominated the South African Communist Party's 85th anniversary rally yesterday.

Both the Young Communists League (YCL) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions called for investigations into the deal to be reopened.

YCL deputy secretary Buti Manamela told a packed Wadley Stadium it did not make sense for Jacob Zuma to be prosecuted for corruption after the government said the arms deal was above board.

"We are shocked that Jacob Zuma ... has been charged with corruption on the basis of investigations into the arms deal," he said.

"Why say it (the arms deal) was clean and above board and then try and convict members of the NEC (national executive committee of the African National Congress)?"

Cosatu Secretary General Zwelinzima Vavi echoed Manamela's call, saying the case against Zuma should be dropped.

Zuma is to go on trial in the Pietermaritzburg High Court today on charges of corruption relating to the arms deal.

Vavi suggested that Zuma was a scapegoat.

"Some people have been put under the spotlight while the real culprits remain hidden," said the union leader.

"We are looking forward to seeing who will preside over this case.

"We want the judge to dismiss the application (for a postponement of the trial) brought by Zuma's accusers, so the trial can proceed." Zuma's arrival in the stadium brought the 10 000-strong crowd to its feet.

He was unable to proceed with his speech before singing his trademark Umshini Wam song, with much prompting from the delighted crowd.

A smiling Zuma did not mention his trial, nor the charges against him.

He also made no mention of the arms deal.

Instead, he spoke out against what he described as infighting within the ANC.

"Fighting for positions is wrong and should not be influenced by sources within the media.

"Leaders should not allow themselves to be dictated to by the media on what they should do."

The ANC deputy president also called for unity in the tripartite alliance of the ANC, SACP, and Cosatu.

"I know very well that one decision will be taken at your conferences. That decision will be to strengthen the alliance."

Most of Zuma's speech was spent on praising the exploits of the SACP, its contribution towards ridding the country of apartheid and its role in the tripartite alliance.

However, not everyone in the stadium was happy with the idea of the alliance. Some said the SACP should contest the next election on its own.

"This country needs a strong opposition party, we are tired of living in a one-party state," said Sipho Sheyi, one of thousands who attended the rally.

Inside the stadium hawkers sold Jacob Zuma T-shirts for R30 and caps for R20. "Jacob Zuma for President 2007" and "Bring back Zuma" were some of the phrases adorning supporters' T-shirts.

Other high-profile alliance leaders attending included ANC general secretary Kgalema Motlanthe, KwaZulu-Natal finance MEC Zweli Mkhize, and the ANC Youth League's Sihle Zikalala.

The SA National Civics Organisation reiterated its support for Zuma. Acting president Ruth Bhengu said her organisation was hurt to see Zuma "in and out of court".

SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande mostly paid tribute to those who founded his party and led it through the years. He did not mention the upcoming Zuma trial.

With acknowledgement to Sapa and Cape Times.