The National Prosecuting Authority is attempting to resurrect the trial against ANC president Jacob Zuma to prevent him from running for the position of head of state, the ANC said on Wednesday.

"The move by the NPA, coming after the earlier vindication and exoneration of comrade Zuma by the Pietermaritzburg High Court, signals yet another attempt to resurrect the trial and block the ANC president from running and becoming head of state," said spokesperson Brian Sokutu.

The comments come in the wake of Judge Chris Nicholson granting the state leave to appeal in the Durban High Court on Wednesday against the September 12 judgment which invalidated charges brought against Zuma.

Sokutu said Zuma had been subjected to a "vindictive prosecution".

He said the legislature, executive and judiciary had all denied Zuma equal protection before the law.

"The September judgment made it clear that the NPA acted as though it was a law unto itself with undue political interference," Sokutu said.

He said that judgment was a "victory for justice and the constitution".

Sokutu reiterated the ANC's support for Zuma as "the face of the organisation" in the run-up to next year's elections. - Sapa

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With acknowledgements to Sapa and Independent Online.