Judge Chris Nicholson today granted the state leave to appeal against the September 12 judgment which invalidated charges brought against ANC president Jacob Zuma.

Nicholson said the case was a complex case and that certain sections of the constitution had never before been argued and "occasioned me much anxious deliberation".

Nicholson last month dismissed the charges against Zuma citing high-level "political meddling" in the case.

"I have no difficulty in granting leave on the basis that I believe there are reasonable prospects of success on appeal," Nicholson told the Durban High Court today.

Zuma is in the United States (US) on his most high-profile visit since becoming head of the ANC. His lawyer declined to comment.

Nicholson's dismissal of bribery, fraud and other charges against Zuma had appeared to clear the way for him to become president after an election due next year, and prompted the ANC to force his rival Thabo Mbeki to resign.

Zuma loyalists have argued he was the victim of a political witch-hunt by Mbeki, whose bitter rivalry *1 with Zuma has deeply divided the African National Congress, the dominant force in South African politics since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Investors are worried Zuma may bow to pressure from his leftist allies to steer the economy away from the pro-business policies championed by Mbeki's administration, although the ANC leader has vowed continuity on economic policy.

It was not clear when the appeal in the Supreme Court of Appeal would be heard. *2 With Reuters

Related Links

• Judge's findings 'cannot be appealed by anyone, including Mbeki'
• Nicholson's 16 judgment 'errors'
• How Mpshe believes judge got it wrong
• Defiant to bitter end, Mbeki: 'I did not meddle'
• The democratic challenge of Nicholson's judgment

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Business Day.