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Jacob Zuma

Jacob Zuma 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), the party he joined in 1959 and within which he held senior positions for decades. Zuma's presidency was marked by persistent allegations of corruption, state capture and governance failures, culminating in his resignation in February 2018 under pressure from the ANC's national executive committee. Before becoming president, he served as deputy president of South Africa under Thabo Mbeki from 1999 to 2005, a position from which he was dismissed amid corruption charges related to the arms deal. Zuma was elected ANC president in December 2007, defeating Mbeki at the party's Polokwane conference, and led the party to victory in the 2009 and 2014 general elections. His tenure saw the establishment of commissions of inquiry into state capture and governance at state-owned enterprises, many of which implicated individuals in his administration. After leaving office, Zuma was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment in 2021 for contempt of court after refusing to appear before the Zondo Commission, sparking unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. In 2023 he became the face of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), a new political formation that contested the 2024 elections and drew support away from the ANC, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. Zuma was born in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, in 1942 and was active in the anti-apartheid struggle, serving a ten-year sentence on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela. He rose through ANC structures in exile, serving in the party's intelligence division and later as head of its intelligence department. His political career has been defined by both his role in the liberation movement and the controversies that have surrounded his time in office and beyond.

Jacob Zuma Updates

Image of Fikile Mbalula

Mbalula heads to court, Integrity Commission over Dlamini-Zuma's vote-buying claims 

By: Thabi Shomolekae     7th August 2026 ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has announced legal action against party veteran Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, following allegations that he... 

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola

Lamola muddies the waters on Zuma’s Gupta trip to India

5th August 2026 This morning’s press conference led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ronald Lamola, was supposed to allay the... 

Public Investment Corporation CEO Patrick Dlamini

Daily Podcast – August 05, 2026

By: Halima Frost     5th August 2026 Making headlines: High Commissioner recalled after controversial Zuma-Gupta meeting in India; Godongwana responds to court judgment declaring PIC... 

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International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola

High Commissioner recalled after controversial Zuma-Gupta meeting in India, new protocol proposed  

By: Thabi Shomolekae     5th August 2026 International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has confirmed that South Africa’s High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal, has been... 

ActionSA Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip

ActionSA criticises govt over failure to sanction High Commissioner to India 

By: Thabi Shomolekae     4th August 2026 ActionSA has condemned the government's decision to desist from bringing disciplinary action against South Africa's High Commissioner to India Anil... 

SchoemanLaw

Rescission of default judgment, setting aside a judgment and protecting your rights

16th July 2026 The principle of audi alteram partem—that every person should be afforded an opportunity to be heard—is a cornerstone of South African law.... 

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Daily Podcast – July 07, 2026

By: Haydon Whitley     7th July 2026 Making headlines: SAPS rejects 'false' claims over death of Nigerian national in custody; ActionSA escalates Phala Phala battle, accuses SAPS of... 

Ryan Smith MP - DA Spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation

Ramaphosa appoints State Capture cadre to plush post in Paris

7th July 2026 The appointment of State Capture cadre, Ayanda Dlodlo as South African ambassador to France is the latest example of President Cyril Ramaphosa... 

Image of Ayanda Dlodlo

DA slams Ayanda Dlodlo’s appointment as Ambassador to France

By: Thabi Shomolekae     7th July 2026 The DA has strongly condemned the appointment of Ayanda Dlodlo as South Africa’s ambassador-designate to France. The opposition party labelled... 

DA logo

DA requests immediate Lifestyle Audit of Dina Pule, by Presidency

6th July 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Director-General in the Presidency, and Secretary to Cabinet, calling for an immediate lifestyle... 

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