South africa news jacob zuma biography

Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma has overcome numerous obstacles to become president of South Africa.

He was born into poverty, went into exile to fight white minority rule and has had to battle accusations of rape and corruption during a bitter power struggle.

But his poor roots, charisma and strength in adversity partly explain his enduring popularity.

Before he became the country's leader in May 2009, attention focused on his numerous legal problems.

But his private life has since grabbed the headlines.

The 67-year-old proud polygamist - following a Zulu tradition - has taken a third wife but has come in for far more criticism after admitting fathering a child with another woman.

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Barely four years ago, his political career was all but written off when he was simultaneously battling allegations of rape and corruption