Jacob Zuma has publicly stated for the first time that he will not decline nomination to succeed ANC president Thabo Mbeki, even if he is recharged with corruption.

Replying to questions at the Cape Town Press Club, the ANC deputy president made it clear that if the party's branches so ordained, he would contest the top job, regardless of a corruption trial hanging over his head.

However, he denied that he was actively campaigning for the job or that he had foreign benefactors to bankroll his defence war chest and lifestyle.

The unemployed Zuma, whose financial affairs were under intense scrutiny and were the source of many of his personal woes, said his living expenses were supported by his extended family, including his employed children.

"We look after one another," he said to a largely incredulous audience. Some of his friends were also not averse to helping out.

"They are able to say: 'Here is R1, buy the newspaper'," Zuma said to laughter.

His reported visits to Libya, China and Europe since his firing as deputy president of South Africa, had prompted speculation that he was on a fundraising drive.

But Zuma denied yesterday that he was receiving foreign funding.

Asked whether he would decline nomination for the post of ANC president if he was recharged with corruption, Zuma made no bones that he would not settle for kingmaker when the throne was in reach.

The constitution was clear that charged or not, one was innocent until proven guilty, he said.

With acknowledgements to Angela Quintal and Cape Times.