Jacob Zuma: 82 Things You Need to Know About the Former South African President

Jacob Zuma, a significant figure in South Africa’s modern history, is known for his charismatic leadership, controversial tenure, and lasting impact on the nation. Below are 100 key facts about this former president that cover his early life, political career, legal challenges, and personal life.

Early Life and Background

1. Full Name: Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma.
2. Birthdate: April 12, 1942.
3. Birthplace: Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
4. Ethnicity: Zulu.
5. Family: Born into a poor family; lost his father when he was a child.
6. Education: Did not receive formal schooling.
7. Childhood Work: Herded cattle and goats to help his family financially.
8. Early Political Influence: Influenced by the anti-apartheid movement from a young age.
9. Joining the ANC: Joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1959 at the age of 17.
10. Umkhonto we Sizwe: Joined the ANC’s armed wing in 1962.

Anti-Apartheid Struggle

11. Imprisonment: Arrested in 1963 and sentenced to 10 years on Robben Island for conspiring to overthrow the apartheid government.
12. Robben Island: Shared a prison cell with Nelson Mandela and other prominent anti-apartheid activists.
13. Underground Work: After his release, he worked underground for the ANC, recruiting members and organizing activities.
14. Exile: Fled South Africa in 1975 to avoid further arrest.
15. Mozambique: Lived in exile in Mozambique, where he continued his work for the ANC.
16. ANC Leadership: Became a member of the ANC’s national executive committee in 1977.
17. Intelligence Role: Served as the head of intelligence for the ANC while in exile.
18. Return to South Africa: Returned to South Africa in 1990 after the ban on the ANC was lifted.
19. KwaZulu-Natal Role: Elected chairperson of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal in 1990.
20. Deputy Secretary-General: Became ANC Deputy Secretary-General in 1991.

Political Rise

21. Deputy President: Elected as the Deputy President of the ANC in 1997.
22. National Role: Appointed Deputy President of South Africa in 1999 under President Thabo Mbeki.
23. 2005 Dismissal: Dismissed as Deputy President in 2005 due to corruption charges against his associate Schabir Shaik.
24. Rape Trial: Faced a rape charge in 2006 but was acquitted.
25. Corruption Charges: Faced numerous corruption charges throughout his career, which were a source of ongoing controversy.
26. ANC Presidency: Elected as ANC President in 2007, defeating Thabo Mbeki in a highly contested election.
27. Presidential Campaign: Led the ANC to victory in the 2009 general elections.
28. Inauguration: Inaugurated as the President of South Africa on May 9, 2009.
29. Economic Policy: Advocated for economic transformation and the upliftment of the poor during his presidency.
30. National Development Plan: Promoted the National Development Plan as a long-term vision for the country.

Presidential Tenure

31. First Term: Served as President from 2009 to 2014.
32. Polygamy: Practiced polygamy, a traditional Zulu custom, and had several wives.
33. Nkandla Scandal: Accused of using state funds to upgrade his private residence in Nkandla, leading to widespread criticism.
34. Nkandla Ruling: The Constitutional Court ruled in 2016 that Zuma violated the Constitution by not repaying the money for non-security upgrades.
35. Gupta Family: His close relationship with the Gupta family led to allegations of state capture.
36. State Capture Report: A report titled “State of Capture” implicated Zuma in facilitating undue influence for the Guptas.
37. Second Term: Re-elected as President in 2014 despite ongoing controversies.
38. Economic Challenges: Faced criticism for the country’s economic struggles during his presidency.
39. Land Reform: Supported land reform policies aimed at addressing historical injustices.
40. Educational Initiatives: Advocated for free higher education for poor and working-class students.

Legal Troubles and Controversies

41. Arms Deal Scandal: Involved in the controversial arms deal scandal, leading to multiple legal battles.
42. Spy Tapes: The “Spy Tapes” controversy involved recordings that allegedly influenced the dropping of corruption charges against Zuma.
43. Impeachment Attempts: Faced multiple impeachment attempts during his presidency.
44. Vote of No Confidence: Survived several votes of no confidence in Parliament.
45. International Relations: Maintained strong ties with BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).
46. Zimbabwe Mediation: Played a role in mediating political crises in Zimbabwe.
47. Libya Crisis: Involved in African Union efforts to resolve the Libyan conflict.
48. Ivory Coast: Contributed to peace efforts in Ivory Coast.
49. Public Protector’s Reports: Faced several adverse findings by South Africa’s Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela.
50. Nkandla Repayment: Was ordered by the Constitutional Court to repay part of the Nkandla funds, which he eventually did.

Resignation and Aftermath

51. ANC Pressure: Faced increasing pressure from within the ANC to step down in early 2018.
52. Resignation: Resigned as President of South Africa on February 14, 2018.
53. Cyril Ramaphosa: Succeeded by Cyril Ramaphosa as President of South Africa.
54. Legal Battles Post-Presidency: Continued to face legal challenges, including corruption charges.
55. July 2021 Riots: His imprisonment for contempt of court in July 2021 sparked widespread riots and unrest in South Africa.
56. uMkhonto weSizwe Party: Supported the formation of a new political party, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), in late 2023.
57. MK Party Leadership: Became the president of the MK Party in April 2024.
58. Political Influence: Despite his controversies, he remains an influential figure in South African politics.
59. Public Support: Maintains a strong base of supporters, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
60. International Perception: His presidency received mixed reviews internationally, with some praising his anti-apartheid legacy and others criticizing his governance.

Personal Life and Legacy

61. Wives: Married at least six times, with multiple wives simultaneously.
62. Children: Fathered more than 20 children.
63. Zulu Traditionalist: Strongly identifies with his Zulu heritage and customs.
64. Health Issues: Faced several health challenges, particularly in his later years.
65. Cultural Impact: Zuma’s life has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and analyses.
66. Nkandla Homestead: The Nkandla homestead remains a symbol of his presidency’s controversies.
67. Public Speaking: Known for his charismatic and humorous public speaking style.
68. Songs and Dance: Popularized the struggle song “Umshini Wami” (“Bring Me My Machine Gun”) and was often seen dancing at events.
69. Religious Beliefs: Practices Christianity and often references his faith in public speeches.
70. Education Advocacy: Despite his lack of formal education, he has been a strong advocate for education in South Africa.

Significant Events and Milestones

71. 2010 FIFA World Cup: Presided over South Africa during the successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
72. Marikana Massacre: His presidency was marred by the Marikana Massacre in 2012, where police killed 34 striking miners.
73. BRICS Summit: Played a key role in bringing the BRICS summit to South Africa.
74. Economic Freedom Fighters: The rise of the EFF, led by Julius Malema, was partly a response to dissatisfaction with Zuma’s leadership.
75. Fees Must Fall: Faced the “Fees Must Fall” student protests demanding free education.
76. Climate Change Policy: Supported initiatives for renewable energy but faced criticism for the slow pace of implementation.
77. Mining Charter: His administration introduced the controversial Mining Charter, which aimed to increase black ownership in the mining sector.
78. Public Enterprises: Oversaw several troubled state-owned enterprises, including Eskom and South African Airways.
79. Judicial Appointments: Appointed several key figures to the judiciary, including Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.
80. Nelson Mandela’s Funeral: Delivered a eulogy at Nelson Mandela’s funeral in 2013.

Legacy and Reflection

81. Divisive Figure: Zuma remains a divisive figure in South African history.
82. Criticism: Criticized for his handling of the economy, corruption scandals,