Former deputy president Jacob Zuma was serenaded with Happy Birthday in court yesterday as he spent his 64th birthday on trial for rape.

"May the next 64 years be better than the last 64 ... it is a pity you need to be here today," Judge Willem van der Merwe told Zuma after he entered court.

Zuma supporters in the gallery broke into a chorus of Happy Birthday as he shook hands with his defence team and prosecutors.

With acknowledgement to Cape Argus.