Jacob Zuma’s Personal Life
Jacob Zuma was born Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma on 12 April 1942 in the rural Nkandla region of what is now KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. From humble beginnings and little formal schooling, he rose to become one of the most influential — and most debated — political figures in the country’s history.
Jacob Zuma’s Career
Jacob Zuma is a South African politician who served as President of South Africa from 2009 to 2018.
Who is Jacob Zuma?
Jacob Zuma joined the African National Congress at 17 and became an anti-apartheid activist and a member of its armed wing, uMkhonto weSizwe. He spent ten years imprisoned on Robben Island as a political prisoner before going into exile.
Jacob Zuma’s Rise to the Presidency
Jacob Zuma rose steadily through the ANC’s ranks after the party was unbanned in 1990, serving as national chairperson and later Deputy President of South Africa. He was elected President of the ANC in 2007 and President of South Africa in the 2009 general election.
Jacob Zuma’s Presidency and Controversies
Jacob Zuma’s presidency was marked by significant controversy, including corruption allegations and scandals such as the Nkandla matter, which concerned public spending on his private residence. He resigned as president in 2018.
Jacob Zuma and the MK Party
Jacob Zuma announced his support for the new uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in late 2023 and became its leader in 2024. The ANC subsequently expelled him from the party.
Jacob Zuma’s Family
Jacob Zuma is well known for his large family and has been married multiple times, in keeping with his openly stated traditional Zulu values. He has many children.
Jacob Zuma’s Net Worth
Jacob Zuma’s net worth has not been reliably established, and figures reported in the media vary considerably.
Jacob Zuma Q&A
How old is Jacob Zuma?
Jacob Zuma is 84 years old. He was born on 12 April 1942 in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal.
When was Jacob Zuma president?
Jacob Zuma served as President of South Africa from 2009 until his resignation in 2018.
What party does Jacob Zuma lead?
Jacob Zuma became the leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in 2024.
What was Jacob Zuma known for before politics?
Jacob Zuma was an anti-apartheid activist who spent ten years imprisoned on Robben Island.
