Chief of the South African Navy, Vice-Admiral Refiloe Mudimu, says he is taking legal advice on the accusations levelled against him by a union representing military personnel.

Mudimu today strongly refuted claims by the South African Security Forces Union (Sasfu) that he said he would not respect President Jacob Zuma because Zuma was not an educated man.

Sasfu levelled the charge against Mudimu during a weekend press conference.

"I wish to place on record that I reject all allegations and aspersions contained in this article with contempt," Mudimu said.

He said he had dedicated his life to serving the country and "its people in numerous capacities".

"I have, for much of my life, been a loyal member of the African National Congress and the people's army, uMkhonto we Sizwe, having been part of the 1976 June 16 uprising generation.

"With the attainment of our freedom in 1994, I pledged my loyalty to the government of the day - a pledge that was founded, once again, in my belief in a democratic South Africa.

"In making this pledge of allegiance, I affirmed the centrality of the deed of commission and the code of conduct for members of the South African National Defence Force in my life," he said.

"I therefore must reject, with the strongest contempt, any attempt to imply that I, as the chief of the South African Navy, and a South African whose life has been dedicated to upholding the values of our constitution, have insulted or compromised the commander in chief of the South African National Defence Force, and president of the country, His Excellency Jacob Zuma, in any way whatsoever," Mudimu said.

"I have consulted my legal advisers on what legal recourse to take."