Jacob Zuma: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 12:21, 18 February 2025

Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma (born 12 April 1942) is a South African politician who served as the fourth President of South Africa from 2009 to 2018. He is a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and has been involved in South African politics for several decades.

Early Life and Education[edit]

Jacob Zuma was born in Nkandla, a rural area in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He did not receive formal schooling and taught himself to read and write. Zuma became involved in politics at an early age, joining the ANC in 1959.

Political Career[edit]

Early Involvement[edit]

Zuma joined the ANC's armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe, in 1962. He was arrested in 1963 and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment on Robben Island, alongside other prominent anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela.

Rise in the ANC[edit]

After his release, Zuma continued his work with the ANC, eventually rising to prominent positions within the organization. He was elected Deputy Secretary-General of the ANC in 1991 and later became the Deputy President of South Africa in 1999 under President Thabo Mbeki.

Presidency[edit]

Zuma was elected President of the ANC in 2007, defeating Thabo Mbeki. He became President of South Africa in 2009 after the ANC won the general elections. His presidency was marked by significant controversy, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

Controversies[edit]

Zuma's presidency was marred by numerous scandals. He faced allegations of corruption, particularly related to the Nkandla homestead scandal, where public funds were used for upgrades to his private residence. He was also implicated in the Gupta family scandal, which involved accusations of "state capture" by the wealthy Gupta family.

Resignation[edit]

Under mounting pressure from the ANC and the public, Zuma resigned as President of South Africa on 14 February 2018. His resignation paved the way for his deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa, to assume the presidency.

Legal Issues[edit]

Following his presidency, Zuma faced numerous legal challenges, including charges of corruption, fraud, and money laundering. His legal battles continue to be a significant aspect of his post-presidency life.

Personal Life[edit]

Zuma is known for his polygamous lifestyle and has been married multiple times. He has numerous children and is a traditionalist in many aspects of his personal life.

Legacy[edit]

Jacob Zuma's legacy is a subject of debate. While some view him as a champion of the poor and a stalwart of the anti-apartheid struggle, others criticize his presidency for corruption and economic mismanagement.

Also see[edit]

Template:South African politicians

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 [[Category:South African prisoners and detainees]]
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+<gallery>
+File:Jacob_Zuma,_29_November_2017_(cropped).jpg|Jacob Zuma
+File:The_Vice_President_Shri_Bhairon_Singh_Shekhawat_meeting_the_Deputy_President_of_South_Africa_Mr._Jacob_Zuma_in_Johannesburg_on_April_28,_2004.jpg|Jacob Zuma
+File:Jacob_Zuma_in_2008.jpg|Jacob Zuma
+File:Zuma_Stadium_Tour,_2009_World_Economic_Forum_on_Africa.jpg|Jacob Zuma
+File:Встреча_Владимира_Путина_с_Президентом_ЮАР_Джейкобом_Зумой_1.jpg|Jacob Zuma
+File:Naoto_Kan_Barack_Obama_David_Cameron_and_Jacob_Zuma_20100625.jpg|Jacob Zuma
+File:The_Prime_Minister,_Dr._Manmohan_Singh_interacting_with_the_President_of_South_Africa,_Mr._Jacob_Zuma,_at_the_G-20_Summit,_at_Pittsburgh,_USA_on_September_25,_2009.jpg|Jacob Zuma
+File:Mandela-Memorial_8175.JPG|Jacob Zuma
+File:President_Jacob_Zuma's_Nkandla_homestead.jpg|Jacob Zuma
+</gallery>