Zuma ready to testify at arms deal inquiry

South African President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday he was ready to testify at the inquiry into the multi-billion rand arms deal that has haunted the government for years. "Of course, anybody called will have to go to the commission to testify whatever you know and whatever you don't know," Zuma told a business breakfast meeting in Cape Town. Zuma said many people had the impression that "you know a lot when you know nothing". In September, Zuma instituted a three-member commission chaired by Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Willie Seriti to probe the arms procurement deal. The commission would work independently to probe persistent allegations of corruption, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said in late October. "They will have the power to subpoena anybody, including members of the executive," and will also have powers of search and seizure, hold public hearings and compel witnesses to answer questions, according to Radebe. The commission's scope of inquiry included the off-set deals linked to the state's arms buying spree in the late 1990s. The deal, which involved 30 billion rand (3.8 billion dollars) to buy military equipment from Europe, has clouded South Africa's politics, and Zuma, for years. Although several officials have been convicted for allegedly taking bribes to help land contracts, there have been calls to hunt some others off the hook. Those convicted included Zuma's former financial adviser Schabir Shaik, who had a tender to supply part of the arms requirements. Shaik allegedly was found to have facilitated a bribe for Zuma from a French arms company which was part of the deal. Zuma was then deputy president. Shaik is on medical parole after being sentenced to jail for 15 years. The charges against Zuma were withdrawn shortly before he became president due to alleged interference in the investigation.