Overview

Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma (born 12 April 1942 in the area now known as Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal) is a South African politician who served as President of South Africa from 2009 until 2018. He rose through the ranks of the African National Congress and held high offices in post‑apartheid governments, including deputy president. His career combines long involvement in the anti‑apartheid struggle with years of political prominence and a series of contentious legal and ethical disputes.

Early life and anti‑apartheid activism

Zuma became active in the movement opposed to apartheid in the 1960s. During the struggle he was arrested and imprisoned for his activities; he served time on Robben Island, a facility that held many anti‑apartheid leaders. In exile and underground, he worked with ANC structures and the movement’s military wing before returning to take a role in the new democratic government after 1994.

Political rise and presidency

Zuma held senior positions within the ANC and the national government, including deputy president of South Africa. In 2007 he was elected leader of the ANC and became the country’s president in 2009. As head of state he pursued policies aimed at economic development and social uplift, while his leadership style and decisions often prompted vigorous public and political debate. He left office in 2018 after his party requested his resignation; the handover was followed by the return of his party’s founder to a new presidency.

Zuma’s time in public life has been marked by significant controversies. He faced criminal charges at various points, including a high‑profile sexual offense trial in the mid‑2000s in which he was acquitted. He was also accused of corruption related to an arms procurement deal and of permitting inappropriate influence by private associates during his presidency. A public outcry over upgrades to his private residence and rulings by constitutional institutions drew prolonged attention and legal scrutiny.

Notable facts and timeline

  • Imprisoned during the apartheid era and later active in ANC structures.
  • Served as South African president from 2009 until his resignation in February 2018 after an ANC recall; he announced his resignation on 14 February 2018.
  • Subject of multiple investigations and court cases related to corruption, state conduct, and governance.

Legacy and significance

Jacob Zuma remains a polarizing figure in South African politics. Supporters credit him with championing working‑class and rural constituencies within the ANC, while critics argue his tenure damaged state institutions and public trust. His legal battles and the political events surrounding his resignation have had lasting effects on debates about corruption, party discipline, and constitutional accountability in South Africa.

For more context on the party that shaped his career, see the ANC. For background on the office he held, consult resources about the President of South Africa. Further reading about apartheid policies and the imprisonment of activists is available via general histories of apartheid and accounts of Robben Island. Coverage of his 2018 departure and the party's actions is described in reporting on the ANC’s decision to recall its leader.