Jacob Zuma is a polygamist who has been married six times and in 2012 the Daily Telegraph estimated Zuma to have 20 children. In June 2012, activists, including some from the ANC itself, complained about the amount the state paid to support Zuma’s wives, especially in the context of the country’s widespread poverty.
In 2009/10 Zuma received a budget of £1.2m for “spousal support”, almost twice the amount paid during the terms in office of Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe, leading to suggestions that only Zuma’s first wife should receive state support. Check out photos of his wives below!
Gertrude Sizakele Khumalo
Gertrude Sizakele Khumalo, whom he met in 1959 and married shortly after his release from prison in 1973.She lives at his home at Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal. They have no children.
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, a cabinet minister since 1999, with whom he has four children. They divorced in June 1998.
Nompumelelo Ntuli (MaNtuli)
Nompumelelo Ntuli (MaNtuli), married on 8 January 2008. Ntuli, born 1975, is a resident of KwaMaphumulo near Stanger and has three children.
Thobeka Stacie Madiba
Thobeka Stacie Madiba (born Mabhija, her mother’s name), married 4 January 2010 with whom he has one child.[85] Zuma paid lobola to her clan in 2007. Their child was born in October 2007. She has another of Zuma’s out-of-wedlock children living with her.Mabhija grew up in Umlazi, where she matriculated at Umlazi Commercial High School. She has worked at Standard Bank, Ithala, Cell C and SA Homeloans in La Lucia.She owns a house in Durban North.
Gloria Bongekile Ngema
Gloria Bongekile Ngema, married on 20 April 2012. The wedding took place in Nkandla and was attended by Zuma’s three other wives. Following a traditional ceremony known as umgcagco, the bridal party participated in a traditional Zulu competitive celebratory dance. Ngema has one son with Zuma.
Kate Mantsho
Kate Mantsho, from Mozambique, with whom he had five children. She committed suicide on 8 December 2000.
