The statement called upon the public to come out in numbers to support Zuma when he appears in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban next month.

"Comrade Zikalala has on several occasions stated categorically that he will abide by the ANC national executive committee decision on the matter," read a statement from the KwaZulu-Natal branch.

After its three-day weekend, the NEC said in a statement, without mentioning Zuma's name, that it understood both the ANC and society had the right to express their sympathy and solidarity with those called to account by law enforcement agencies, the courts and a judicial commission of inquiry.

However, it resolved that those who wanted to show their support, could only do so in their individual capacities and not through the structures of the 106-year-old liberation movement.

The statement which purported to be from Zikalala was entitled "Support for Jacob Gedleyhlekisa Nxamala Mhlanganyelwa Zuma" and was issued during a press briefing on Monday, organised by "people who described themselves as representatives of business forums within and outside KwaZulu-Natal".

Zuma is expected to appear in the High Court next week to answer to 16 charges of corruption, money laundering, fraud and racketeering, relating to the controversial arms deal.

News24