Jacob Zuma is a South African politician who served as the country’s fourth president from 2009 to 2018.
He was born on April 12, 1942, in Nkandla, South Africa.
Zuma was also the deputy president of South Africa from 1999 to 2005 and the deputy president of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1997 to 2007.
He is a polygamist and has been married six times.
Zuma has been involved in several corruption scandals and was charged with corruption, fraud, money laundering, racketeering and tax evasion.
He was acquitted of rape charges in 2006.
In December 2023, Zuma denounced the ANC and announced that he would vote for a new party.
Jacob Zuma age
Zuma was born on April 12, 1942, making him 82 years old as of December 2023.
Jacob Zuma height and weight
Zuma’s height and weight are not explicitly mentioned in the search results.
However, his height is reported to be 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) according to IMDb.
Jacob Zuma ethnicity and nationality
Zuma is a South African of Zulu ethnicity and South African nationality.
Zulu ethnicity
The Zulu people are a Nguni ethnic group native to Southern Africa, and they are the largest ethnic group and nation in South Africa, with an estimated 10–12 million people, living mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
The Zulu language, IsiZulu, is part of the Nguni language group, and the word “Zulu” means “Sky”.
The Zulu tribe is known for its strong fighting spirit, which has shaped renowned warriors in history.
They have a rich history, and one of the most significant events in Zulu history was the arrival of Europeans in Natal.
The Zulu empire weakened after the death of Shaka, one of its most prominent leaders, in 1828.
The Zulu people are traditionally grain farmers and have close ethnic, linguistic, and cultural ties with the Swazi and Xhosa.
They are known for their ceremonies, such as the Umhlanga, or Reed Dance, and their various forms of beadwork.
Today, the Zulu people predominantly believe in Christianity but have also created a syncretic religion.
Jacob Zuma parents
Zuma was the first born of five children of his father Nobhekisisa Zuma and his second wife, Geinamazwi.
His father was a policeman who died when he was a young boy.
Following his father’s death, Zuma and his mother left for his mother’s parental home in kwaMaphumulo, Natal.
He spent his early years moving between Zululand and the suburbs of Durban, where he worked in shops and did domestic work.
Zuma adheres to many traditional Zulu customs, including polygamy, which has been a source of criticism from some who find some customs to be at odds with what they consider to be modern societal norms.
Jacob Zuma wives
Zuma is a polygamist and has been married six times. He has four wives, including Sizakele (MaKhumalo), Nompumelelo (MaNtuli), Tobeka Madiba and Gloria Bongi Ngema.
In Zulu culture, polygamy is a common practice, and it is believed that a man’s wealth and status are measured by the number of wives he has.
Each wife has her own household, and the husband rotates between them.
The first wife is considered the senior wife and has a higher status than the others.
Zulu women are known for their traditional attire, which includes brightly colored beaded necklaces, bracelets and anklets, as well as headbands and aprons.
They also wear a traditional hat called an Isiqolo, which serves as a public symbol of marital status and a sign of respect to the husband and his family.
Zulu women are also known for their beadwork, which is a significant part of their culture and is used to communicate messages and tell stories.
Jacob Zuma children
Zuma has 23 identified children from his various relationships.
Mziwoxolo Edward Zuma, born in 1977, was involved in a controversy in 2000 when he was arrested for raping a student while studying law at the University of Zululand.
Mxolisi (Saady) Zuma is another one of his children.
Msholozi Zuma is also among his children.
Duduzane Zuma and Duduzile are two other children of Jacob Zuma.
Sinqumo, born to Gloria Bongekile Ngema, is the only child Ngema gave to Zuma in their union.
Thobeka Madiba (Mabhija) is another one of his children, and she gave birth to a child, but the gender is not known.
Sonono Khoza, in 2010, Zuma confirmed he fathered a child with Sonono Khoza, the daughter of Irvin Khoza.
In 2013, Zuma acknowledged two more children, a daughter and a son, both in their teens.
Jacob Zuma net worth
Zuma has an estimated net worth of $20 million.
His wealth is largely attributed to his political career and tenure as the President of South Africa from 2009 to 2018.
Zuma also has business dealings, including his involvement with the Thales Group, a French arms company and Ntsimbintle Mining BEE.
In 2012, he was ranked as South Africa’s 39th richest man.
During his presidency, Zuma earned an annual salary of $157,098.
Despite his wealth, Zuma has faced legal issues, including accusations of corruption and state capture made by the Zondo Commission in 2016.
He was also convicted of contempt of court in 2018 and was granted medical parole in 2021.
Jacob Zuma political political career
Zuma served as the fourth president of South Africa from 2009 to 2018.
He was born on April 12, 1942, in Nkandla, South Africa.
Zuma’s political career began in the 1960s when he joined the African National Congress (ANC) and became involved in the anti-apartheid movement.
He was imprisoned on Robben Island for conspiring to overthrow the government.
After his release, he continued to work for the ANC and was appointed as the Deputy President of South Africa in 1999, a position he held until he was relieved of duties by then-state president Thabo Mbeki in 2005.
Zuma was elected as the President of the ANC in 2007, defeating Mbeki in a closely contested race.
He became the President of South Africa in 2009, succeeding Kgalema Motlanthe.
During his presidency, Zuma was involved in continental affairs, taking a role in mediation efforts to resolve crises in Africa on behalf of the African Union.
However, his presidency was marred by several corruption scandals, and he was charged with corruption, fraud, money laundering, racketeering and tax evasion.
Zuma did not stand for a third term as president of the ANC, but he was invested in the outcome of the December 2017 contest, which was between Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, his former wife and an experienced politician, and ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa.
Zuma supported Dlamini-Zuma’s candidacy, with some analysts asserting that he assumed that if she were elected, she would be able to shield him from future prosecution for corruption charges after he left office.
Ramaphosa, however, campaigned on a promise of cracking down on corruption and encouraging economic growth. He defeated Dlamini-Zuma in a closely contested race.
In December 2023, Zuma denounced the ANC and announced that he would vote for a new party.
He made the announcement during a commemoration of the 62nd anniversary of uMkhonto weSizwe in Soweto.
Jacob Zuma legal issues
Zuma has been involved in several legal issues throughout his political career having been charged with corruption, fraud, money laundering, racketeering and tax evasion.
He is currently facing two counts of corruption, one count each of racketeering and money laundering and twelve counts of fraud, all arising from his involvement in a multibillion-dollar arms deal that South Africa signed in 1999 with French company Thales.
Zuma is accused of taking hundreds of bribes to help Thales get the deal and faces at least 15 years in jail.
His legal troubles began in the early 2000s when he was charged with rape, but he was acquitted in 2006.
In 2009, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) dropped corruption charges against Zuma, citing political interference.
However, in 2016, the NPA reinstated the charges, and Zuma has been fighting them ever since.
In 2018, Zuma appeared before an investigatory commission to provide some testimony, but he accused the head of the commission, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, of being biased against him and demanded his recusal, which was denied.
In June 2021, the Constitutional Court found Zuma to be in contempt of court for his refusal to defend and respect the Constitution and ordered him to repay the state for some of the upgrades made to his private residence.
In July 2021, Zuma was granted medical parole for an undisclosed health condition, but a subsequent court judgment ruled the medical parole was invalid, and his lawyers are appealing that judgment.
In November 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that Zuma was unlawfully released from jail and ordered his arrest, raising the possibility that he may have to return to prison.
FAQ
What are the details of Jacob Zuma’s relationship with Moyane?
Zuma’s relationship with Tom Moyane, the former commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, has been a subject of interest, particularly regarding their history during the exile years.
What is Jacob Zuma’s legacy in South African politics?
Zuma’s tenure as president was marked by controversy and acrimony.
His legacy, including the impact on South African politics, remains a topic of discussion and analysis.
How did Jacob Zuma’s background influence his political career?
Zuma’s upbringing, experiences during the anti-apartheid movement, and his time in exile have been cited as influential factors in his political journey.
What were the key challenges faced by Jacob Zuma during his presidency?
Zuma’s presidency was characterized by various challenges, including economic issues, corruption allegations and internal party dynamics.
Exploring these challenges provides insights into his leadership.
What led to Jacob Zuma’s multiple no-confidence votes during his presidency?
Zuma’s presidency was marked by significant political turbulence, including surviving numerous no-confidence votes.
Understanding the reasons behind these votes sheds light on his political resilience and the factors contributing to the opposition against him.
What are the implications of Jacob Zuma’s legal battles for South Africa’s political landscape?
Zuma’s legal troubles have had far-reaching implications.
Analyzing the impact of these legal battles on South Africa’s political environment and the broader implications for governance and the rule of law is a thought-provoking topic.
How has Jacob Zuma’s personal life, including his marriages, influenced his public image?
Zuma’s personal life, characterized by multiple marriages and controversies, has been a subject of public interest.
Exploring the intersection of his personal and public life provides insights into his leadership and public perception
What is the significance of Jacob Zuma’s role in the African National Congress (ANC)?
Zuma’s involvement in the ANC, from his rise within the party to his eventual departure, is a topic of significance.
Understanding his role in the ANC offers insights into the party’s dynamics and its influence on South African politics.
How did Jacob Zuma’s economic and social background shape his policy decisions as president?
Zuma’s background as a former migrant worker and his experiences with poverty have been cited as influential factors.
Exploring the impact of his background on his policy decisions provides a nuanced understanding of his presidency.
What are the enduring lessons from Jacob Zuma’s political career for South Africa’s future?
Reflecting on Zuma’s political career and its implications for South Africa’s future offers an opportunity to draw lessons and insights that can inform the country’s political trajectory and governance.