Do the jokes from former deputy president Jacob Zuma ever end? His latest is the hilarious assertion that he is not actively campaigning for the presidency of the ANC and the country.

He just happened to be speaking at the Cape Town Press Club in the latest of many public appearances obviously designed to give him as much media time or space as possible.

And - given the disingenuous nature of the comments on his ambitions - what are we to make of his denial that foreign benefactors are bankrolling him? Or that his living expenses are supported by his extended family?

Perhaps the most revealing comment Zuma made was his bold assertion that he dreamt of a gun-free South Africa as a way to fight crime.

This from the man who whips up support whenever there is a crowd around by singing Umshini wami - Zulu for "bring back my machine gun". And who faces another round of corruption charges.

Such contradictions have littered Zuma's public utterances since he was fired as deputy president by President Thabo Mbeki on June 14, 2005.

One such was his crude comment about homosexuals, when he clearly thought his speech in Zulu at a relatively low-profile meeting would not make its way into the public domain.

Within days he was rowing backwards furiously, apologising to the gay and lesbian community for his insults.

And, of course, his now notorious comments during his rape trial about showering after sex as a way of preventing HIV/Aids. This from the man who had agreed to front the country's campaign against HIV/Aids (not to mention its moral regeneration initiatives).

All of which must leave confused observers of the so-called succession battle within the ANC asking: will the real JZ please stand up.

With acknowledgement to Cape Argus.