Support for former president Jacob Zumaby senior leaders of the ANC during his court appearances has dwindled.

On Friday, Zuma appeared in the Pietermaritzburg High Court in a matter related to French arms manufacturer Thales over a contract worth R30-billion, where he faces 16 charges of fraud, money laundering and racketeering.

On Friday, Zuma enjoyed support from KwaZulu-Natal ANC leaders - newly re-elected chairman Sihle Zikalala, his deputy Mike Mabuyakhulu, provincial treasurer Nomusa Dube-Ncube, provincial executive committee member Super Zuma, eThekwini region chairman and mayor Zandile Gumede and ANC Youth League provincial secretary Thanduxolo Sabela.

None of them was wearing party regalia after the ANC national executive committee decided that party members who support Zuma at his court appearances should do so in their personal capacities.

In his past two court appearances, Zuma had been supported by former North West premier and ANC chairman Supra Mahumapelo, Nelson Mandela Bay councillor Andile Lungisa, who was recently convicted of assault, and disgraced former SABC boss Hlaudi Motsoeneng.

None of them were at his court appearance on Friday.

Motsoeneng instead attended King Zwelithini's 70th birthday celebration in Nongoma, northern KZN.

uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) treasurer-general Des van Rooyen, former minister of communications and public service and administration Faith Muthambi were the only politicians from outside the province.

Controversial Black First Land First leader Andile Mngxitama and his members also came out in numbers.

Professor Susan Booysen said senior members of the ANC had accepted that the Zuma era was over and that President Cyril Ramaphosa would win the 2019 election.

Booysen added that although KZN was historically supportive of Zuma, the lack of visible ANC support shown might be connected to ANC members looking out for their own interests in the lead-up to the 2019 election.

Dr Somadoda Fikeni said the reasons for Zuma support declining might be because passions were cooling.

"If you are an incoming president it is easier to draw crowds because of the patronage that can be given. But if you are on the exit, then your status has lowered," he said.

He said Zuma supporters were also aware that they would be unlikely to get lucrative posts if they were seen as controversial by the ANC
national executive committee.

Zuma's case was postponed to November 30.