Former deputy president Jacob Zuma and his legal team received an early Christmas gift from the South African taxpayer in the form of R10 million towards his legal costs.

The government has been mum until now on how much of Zuma's defence costs in relation to his corruption trial, which has since been struck off the roll, will be borne by the taxpayer.

However, in yesterday's mini-budget documents tabled by Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, the figure is contained in the presidency's revised budget vote.

The R10m comes from savings as a result of vacant posts in the presidency.

Zuma complained in an affidavit in July this year that his resources were running out while the state allegedly dragged its heels over contributing to his legal costs.

A month later, the Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust Fund reportedly indicated that fundraising efforts would be stepped up, because more than an estimated R12m might be needed for Zuma's legal costs.

This was before Judge Herbert Msimang struck Zuma's corruption trial off the roll.

Fund chairman Don Mkhwanazi said yesterday the R10m allocation was news to him.

"Until I see it in black and white it would not be sensible to comment. I do not know what the conditions and caveats are." Zuma's lawyer, Michael Hulley, was not immediately available for comment.

With acknowledgements to Angela Quintal and Cape Times.