Fezekile "Khwezi" Kuzwayo, the woman who accused President Jacob Zuma of rape in 2005, should be honoured as a martyr for all victims of sexual violence, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State said on Wednesday.

"Khwezi's death highlights the plight of women across the country who daily fall victim to sexual violence and abuse as well as gender-based discrimination," DA MPL Leona Kleynhans said during a sitting in the provincial legislature.

Khwezi died on Saturday. Her death was announced by her family on Sunday in a statement.

Kleynhans said Khwezi's bravery and refusal to never back down should serve as an inspiration.

"Fezekile refused to be silenced and spoke truth to power. For her bravery, Khwezi paid the ultimate price as a result of threats made on her life by defenders of the indefensible. She was forced out of the country, seeking refuge on distant shores."

In August, Zuma was delivering a speech at an IEC event when it was disrupted by four women holding up pieces of cardboard reading "Khanga", "Remember Khwezi", "10 yrs later" and "I am 1 in 3".

Following the rape trial, Zuma was acquitted of the charges.