There are aspects of the whole Schabir Shaik saga that are, in fact, heartening. As the ANC quickly pointed out, the case affirmed the integrity of the country's legal system and, therefore, the rule of law.

It also suggests a general maturing of the country's democracy, with a demonstrable commitment to rooting out corruption.

But these positives can only be cemented if the entire case is taken to its logical conclusion.

Yesterday's conviction was, in effect, as much about the future of deputy president Jacob Zuma as it was about a grubby Durban businessman.

Judge Hilary Squires's judgment was riddled with unflattering references to Zuma, some of which clearly implied he was implicit in Shaik's corruption. All three charges on which Shaik was found guilty relate to dealings with Zuma.

And, as has been pointed out, a corrupt relationship must by definition involve another party - in this case Zuma.

Squires's damning findings also suggest that Zuma may have deliberately misled parliament and the country on various occasions.

Is this conduct appropriate for a deputy president? Or, for that matter, a man who appears to have his sights set on the top job?

The answer has to be a resounding "no".

Zuma's conduct in this affair puts his integrity and, by extension that of the entire presidency, into serious question.

President Thabo Mbeki - a man of impeccable integrity whatever one might think of some of his policies - needs to make a political decision, bearing in mind the damage any continuation of Zuma's deputy presidency will do to his office and to the country.

Ideally, however, Zuma should do the honourable thing and step down immediately (perhaps the only way he could personally salvage anything from this messy affair).

We would strongly urge him to do so.

With acknowledgement to the Cape Times.