Zuma claims foreign 'conspiracy' in character assassination

Former South Africa president Jacob Zuma has claimed a "conspiracy" by foreign intelligence organisations to launch a character assassination campaign against him.

Zuma was starting his long-awaited testimony on Monday before the Zondo Commission, which is inquiring into allegations of "state capture" during his rule.

"I've been a subject of talk in this country for more than a decade. I've been vilified. Alleged to be the king of corrupt people. The most corrupt," Zuma said as he painted a picture of him being victimised.

"I've been given every other name and I have never responded to those issues, firstly because I believe it is important that we all respect one another," he said.

Without naming any country, the former president said he had faced character assassination over more than 20 years through a plan by foreign intelligence organisations and the local one, who believed that he had a lot of information.

The former president said he and former head of intelligence in the African National Congress, Joe Nhlanhla, had been told that he had to be removed from his position as the chief of ANC Intelligence after the ban on the organisation was lifted in 1990.

Zuma resigned as president in February last year after huge outcries over his alleged involvement in corrupt and illegal activities. He was replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa, who was subsequently re-elected during national election in May.

The commission had heard evidence from a number of witnesses, including former ministers of state, implicating Zuma in a range of activities, among them his closeness to the controversial Gupta brothers who allegedly fleeced a number of government organisations of billions of rand.

The family, originally from India, rose to power in the IT, mining and media sectors after coming to South Africa as the new democracy dawned under then president Nelson Mandela.

They have since relocated to Dubai, amid calls for them to come and testify before the commission. The eldest brother, Ajay Gupta, earlier offered to testify in camera but not in person, which was declined by the chairman of the commission, Judge Raymond Zondo.

"This commission, according to those who are investigating things, must be the grave of Zuma. He must be buried here," Zuma said. "Whoever knew the Gupta family and were their friends don't matter, but Zuma matters, because something must be found."

As Zuma continues his testimony, there is widespread expectation that he may name others at high level who have allegedly been involved in state capture.

Hundreds of Zuma supporters have gathered outside the venue of the Commission, clashing with a large contingent of police. The supporters include several former ministers in his cabinet.