[JURIST] Lawyers for a former associate of former South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma [party profile] Monday began their appeal of a corruption conviction [JURIST report] against businessman Schabir Shaik that could help to clear Zuma's name and help to rehabilitate him as a potential presidential candidate. President Thabo Mbeki fired [JURIST report] Zuma from his position last year when Shaik was found guilty of corruption and fraud. On appeal, Shaik is arguing that he did not discuss with his tax auditors faulty write-offs of loans, some of which were allegedly made to Zuma. Zuma has indicated repeatedly that he intends to run against Mbeki [BBC profile] in the 2009 presidential election.

In June, the African National Congress [party website] reinstated Zuma to his deputy president position within the party after he was acquitted on rape charges [JURIST reports]. On Wednesday, a high court judge tossed the corruption charges brought against Zuma himself [JURIST report], saying prosecutors had failed to follow proper procedures, though the charges may be brought again in the future. On Sunday, South Africa's Sunday Times reported that prosecutors are formulating new charges against Zuma, but that if Shaik wins his appeal this week, new charges against Zuma may not be brought. AP has more. The Sunday Times has local coverage.