Jacob Zuma is a well-known South African politician who formerly served as the President of South Africa. He was an anti-apartheid activist and President of the African National Congress (ANC) for over ten years.
Jacob Zuma’s Age
Jacob Zuma was born on the 12th of April, 1942, in Nkandla, South Africa. He is 83 years old and typically celebrates his birthday every 12th April.
Early Life and Education
Jacob Zuma was born in Nkandla, Natal province, and usually juggled between Natal and Durban as a child. He was born to a police officer, Nobhekisisa, and a domestic worker, Geinamazwi.
Career
Jacob Zuma began his political career while engaging in anti-apartheid and joining the African National Congress (ANC) in 1959. After the group’s ban, he became a prominent member of uMkhonto we Sizwe in 1962.
Jacob Zuma served in prison for ten years, and after his release, he reformed the African National Congress (ANC) in Natal.
He worked as chairman in Mozambique and Zambia before returning to South Africa. In 1990, Jacob Zuma returned following the suspension of ANC’s ban.
Thereafter, he was elected as Southern Natal Chairperson. In 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) rose to power with Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki elected President and Deputy.
Jacob Zuma was elected African National Congress (ANC) provincial chairperson in 1994.
Rise to Presidency
In 1997, Jacob Zuma was elected Deputy President of the African National Congress (ANC) at the party’s 50th National Conference in Mafikeng.
After two years, he was appointed Deputy President of South Africa. Jacob Zuma served under then President Thabo Mbeki and served as chief mediator in the Burundi Peace process.
During the 2004 general elections, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma were re-elected as the officers of the Presidency.
However, Mbeki removed Jacob Zuma. It followed the conviction of Zuma’s associate, who made underhanded payments to him for an arms deal.
During the same period, Jacob Zuma resigned as a Member of Parliament. He was succeeded as Deputy President of South Africa by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
Despite being sacked as National Deputy President, Jacob Zuma remained the African National Congress (ANC) Deputy President and enjoyed support from diverse party wings.
Thabo Mbeki remained eyed on being re-elected as the African National Congress (ANC) President despite being prohibited from running for a third term.
Jacob Zuma enjoyed favor from five of the nine African National Congress (ANC) branches upon nomination.
In 2007, Jacob Zuma was elected as the African National Congress (ANC) President at the 52nd National Conference in Polokwane, Limpopo.
He had 2,329 votes while defeating Thabo Mbeki with 1,505 votes. Following some changes, Thabo Mbeki was asked to resign as President of South Africa.
He accepted so as not to create a protracted dispute and was immediately replaced by Kgalema Motlanthe.
During this period, Jacob Zuma was campaigning for the 2009 elections.
President of South Africa
On the 22nd of April 2009, Jacob Zuma was elected President of South Africa with a 65.90% win under the African National Congress (ANC).
He was sworn in as President of the country on the 9th of May, 2009.
In March 2010, the South African media reported Zuma’s failure to disclose his assets, a rule mandated by the government’s ethics code.
Following his integration, he established the National Planning Commission, tasked with developing the National Development Plan.
Jacob Zuma also set up the Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme with the shortfalls in electricity in 2011.
Some of the other things he focused on as President included regulating oil, gas, and mineral resources, land reform policy, education, and social grants.
Jacob Zuma made his official visit to Angola, looking to improve relations with the government of then President José Eduardo dos Santos. He emphasized the development of African and Global South Countries.
In 2010, South Africa became a member of BRIC, while Zuma attended the group’s third summit meeting in China the following year.
In 2012, Jacob Zuma was re-elected as the African National Congress (ANC) President at the 53rd National Conference.
On the 5th of December 2013, he announced the passing of Nelson Mandela, the country’s first democratically elected President. The memorial service took place at the FNB Stadium.
Between the 7th and 15th of June 2015, South Africa hosted the 25th summit of the AU in Johannesburg.
Following the African National Congress (ANC) retaining its position in the national election, Zuma was elected to a second term as President.
After his tenure, he was succeeded by Cyril Ramaphosa after beating Dlamini-Zuma.
In 2018, Jacob Zuma resigned as President of South Africa.
Family
Jacob Zuma is a polygamist; he has been married six times in line with the traditional Zulu culture. He is said to have at least twenty (20) children.
Net Worth
Jacob Zuma has an estimated net worth of $20 million.