Addressing journalists at the Hilton Hotel in Durban shortly after charges against him were withdrawn in the city's High Court, he also stressed that he was not above the law.

"I do not regard myself as being above the law and no public person should be above scrutiny," he said.

"In the last eight years, I did not use my position to interfere with the due course of the law... and I always presented myself in court whenever needed.

"The investigation had brought untold pressure on the entire Zuma family and relatives."

He thanked those who supported and believed in his innocence. On Monday the National Prosecuting Authority withdrew corruption charges against Zuma saying the decision was based on flaws in the prosecution's own process.