"It is shameful for the President of South Africa to make such a statement which amounts encouraging corruption, at a time when South Africa is plagued by this curse," Inkatha Freedom Party deputy national spokesman Joshua Mazibuko said in a statement.

"Simply put, the president was telling business people that the only way in which they could guarantee business opportunities and prosperity in this country is by joining the ANC."

He said it was clear the African National Congress was no longer about serving the country.

Instead all unscrupulous businesspeople whose mission was solely self-enrichment would now definitely join the party.

"The IFP calls on the business community in this country not to be party to any program which promotes corruption. In addition we call on the ANC to distance itself from this unfortunate statement or else admit that they are paying lip service to the fight against corruption, which threatens to sink our country."

The Sunday Times quoted Zuma as saying that businessmen who supported the African National Congress would see their fortunes multiply.

"We're not forcing people... you can support and be a supporter, but if you go beyond that and become a member, [and] if you're a businessman, your business will multiply," he said at the ANC's 101st anniversary gala dinner in Durban on Friday night.