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Zuma to marry fifth wife
Monday, January 04, 2010
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AFP) – South African President Jacob Zuma is set to marry his fifth wife in a traditional ceremony at his rural village in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the presidency said in a statement yesterday.
"The traditional wedding of President Jacob Zuma and Tobeka Madiba tomorrow, 4 January, is a private family ceremony," said the statement.
The Sunday Times and Independent newspapers reported that Zuma's homestead in Nkandla was a hive of activity this week as he prepared to tie the knot with Madiba today.
"Most of the things are only happening from (Sunday). We are expecting the arrival of a number of guests and dignitaries.
"There is obviously a lot of dancing and singing at the moment -- people are happy. But tomorrow (Monday) is the big day," the Independent said, citing a source close to the family.
Todday's wedding ceremony will be the traditional one where the bride Madiba will be introduced to the elders as well to the ancestors, two years after Zuma paid the Ilobolo (dowry).
Madiba, 37, who has two children with 66-year-old Zuma, has attended official functions as one of the country's first ladies and has been quoted in the media as Thobeka Madiba-Zuma.
Polygamy is legally recognised in South Africa.
According to a biography on Zuma, prepared by his party, the African National Congress, the president has three wives, including Madiba, but details on their marriage remained vague.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Meanwhile, Zuma is also reportedly preparing to take on a sixth wife.</span>
Earlier this week, an umbondo (exchange of gifts) ceremony was held signalling that he had paid ilobolo (dowry) for his latest fiancee, Bongi Ngema, according to the Sunday Times.
When Zuma was inaugurated as head of state in May, speculation was rife about who would be the first lady.
He attended the ceremony with his first wife Sizakele Khumalo, whom he has known for 50 years and married in 1973.
Zuma is also married to Nompumelelo Ntuli Zuma, whom he married in 2008 in a lavish ceremony.
One of his earlier wives, Kate Mantsho Zuma, committed suicide in 2000.
In 1998 he divorced Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, but she remains in his inner circle as she is currently home affairs minister.
Monday, January 04, 2010
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AFP) – South African President Jacob Zuma is set to marry his fifth wife in a traditional ceremony at his rural village in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the presidency said in a statement yesterday.
"The traditional wedding of President Jacob Zuma and Tobeka Madiba tomorrow, 4 January, is a private family ceremony," said the statement.
The Sunday Times and Independent newspapers reported that Zuma's homestead in Nkandla was a hive of activity this week as he prepared to tie the knot with Madiba today.
"Most of the things are only happening from (Sunday). We are expecting the arrival of a number of guests and dignitaries.
"There is obviously a lot of dancing and singing at the moment -- people are happy. But tomorrow (Monday) is the big day," the Independent said, citing a source close to the family.
Todday's wedding ceremony will be the traditional one where the bride Madiba will be introduced to the elders as well to the ancestors, two years after Zuma paid the Ilobolo (dowry).
Madiba, 37, who has two children with 66-year-old Zuma, has attended official functions as one of the country's first ladies and has been quoted in the media as Thobeka Madiba-Zuma.
Polygamy is legally recognised in South Africa.
According to a biography on Zuma, prepared by his party, the African National Congress, the president has three wives, including Madiba, but details on their marriage remained vague.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Meanwhile, Zuma is also reportedly preparing to take on a sixth wife.</span>
Earlier this week, an umbondo (exchange of gifts) ceremony was held signalling that he had paid ilobolo (dowry) for his latest fiancee, Bongi Ngema, according to the Sunday Times.
When Zuma was inaugurated as head of state in May, speculation was rife about who would be the first lady.
He attended the ceremony with his first wife Sizakele Khumalo, whom he has known for 50 years and married in 1973.
Zuma is also married to Nompumelelo Ntuli Zuma, whom he married in 2008 in a lavish ceremony.
One of his earlier wives, Kate Mantsho Zuma, committed suicide in 2000.
In 1998 he divorced Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, but she remains in his inner circle as she is currently home affairs minister.
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