Political parties have slammed the speed with which President Jacob Zuma's relatives are benefitting from business contracts involving the government.

The Sunday Times reported yesyerday that Zuma's son, Duduzane, is a director and a shareholder of Afripalm Horizons, which entered into a lucrative deal with China Railway Construction Corporation. The Chinese parastatal is one of the companies involved in the multi-billion-rand rail projects recently announced by Transport Minister S'bu Ndebele.

"... that places them at the forefront to cash in on the government's R550-billion rail infrastructure programme," the Sunday Times reported.

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa saidhis party was dismayed by the way Zuma's family would benefit from government business deals.

"The UDM has noted President Zuma's position that there is nothing wrong with his family getting involved in business.

"It cannot be justifiable that his family should benefit personally from his position or his trips abroad on government business.

"Media reports say his son will benefit from the multimillion-rand rail projects announced by Ndebele," said Holomisa.

This compromised Zuma and the country, he said.

Holomisa said this put South Africa in the same league as presidents and countries in north Africa "who have recently been subjected to popular revolt".

Zuma's spokesman, Zizi Kodwa, said he could not comment: "I have not seen Holomisa's statement. So I cannot comment at this stage."

COPE spokesman Phillip Dexter said: "We are shocked at the brazen way in which Zuma's son is being put into these deals. It is daylight robbery. We need an inquiry into relationships between politicians, their relatives and big business."