The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has still not reached a decision on whether to charge Jacob Zuma, the former deputy president, or attach assets gained from his relationship with Durban businessman Schabir Shaik.

"We reiterate our position that the judgment of the Durban High Court is being considered together with other factors such as the pending appeal process," said Makhosini Nkosi, the NPA spokesperson.

Zuma's financial situation continues to be a topic of debate now that it has emerged that his dismissal comes at a huge cost.

The deputy president received a salary of almost R80 000 a month, lived rent free, enjoyed the use of luxury vehicles, got medical and pension contributions from the government, in addition to security guards and chauffeurs, as well as free travel.

Zuma will collect a huge pension payout estimated at more than R5-million in addition to a special pension for his role in the liberation struggle, but he will have to leave his official residence in Pretoria within a month. Zuma also owns property at Nkandla, northern KwaZulu-Natal, worth more than R1-million.

Although his friend and benefactor Schabir Shaik has not revealed whether he was still bankrolling Zuma, Zwelinzima Vavi, the secretary-general of Cosatu, said if needed trade union members would take care of the former deputy president whom he described as a "workers' friend".

Zuma may still qualify for security protection if Charles Nqakula, the minister of safety and security, sanctions it.

Smuts Ngonyama, the ANC's head of presidency, said: "Comrade Jacob Zuma remains the deputy president of the ANC, and will continue to receive the support of the ANC in the course of his work in this position," he said.

Ngonyama did not provide indication of any steps against Zuma, although it is believed the organisation's national executive committee would be meeting on Monday.

With acknowledgements to Edwin Naidu and The Sunday Independent.