Opposition Independent Democrats (ID) leader Patricia de Lille on Wednesday disputed President Jacob Zuma's view that the Constitution is not under threat.

"You only need to look at the number of constitutional judgments against government to see that you are wrong," she told the National Assembly during debate on the Presidency budget vote.

These judgments proved the point that the Constitution had become more democratic than some of its drafters.

Equally worrying was government's complete lack of understanding of ethical governance as enshrined in the Constitution.

"The number of times we hear leaders say that all these unethical and corrupt practices are not illegal and that no one is breaking the law are becoming too many to count, for example, Chancellor House, Petro SA and others.

"What we must remember Mr President, is that the struggle was not just about overcoming apartheid, it was also about building a strong, ethical and value-based society where leaders put the people before their own pockets," De Lille said.

The Presidency should also set an example in terms of efficient and ethical leadership.

"This is particularly difficult, Mr President, when your office continues to be plagued by internal squabbles and bickering.

"All over the Presidency a lack of decisive leadership is evident, with ongoing battles over who really controls economic policy and endless confusion over ministers whose mandates overlap.

"Your bloated office even failed to advise you to declare your interests.

"It is not good for a President to break the law and ignorance of the law is no excuse."

De Lille urged Zuma to make available more details on the performance agreements signed with Cabinet ministers.

"We firmly believe that since government leaders were put in their positions by ordinary South Africans, their performance evaluations should be made public on a quarterly basis."

However, she commended Zuma for taking a public HIV test.

"This is certainly a turning point in our painful history in terms of fighting this pandemic," she said.

"Together with the courageous Minister of Health, you have illustrated that through solid leadership we can mobilise the nation to deal with the stigma of HIV/Aids," De Lille said.