Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma (born April 12, 1942 at Inkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) is the president of the governing political party, the African National Congress (ANC), and a former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa. Zuma is often referred to by his initials JZ.
As probably the most prominent Zulu African National Congress politician and a leader for leftist constituencies within the ANC, he has rallied the support of many even after his dismissal from the party in 2005 due to allegations of corruption. He remained popular, especially amongst Zulus, and the youth league of the African National Congress (the ruling party of South Africa) argue that Zuma has served The struggle well. Though his political future appeared more clouded during his rape trial, his most vocal supporters stayed faithful, gathering outside the courthouse to support him during his trial and celebrate the not-guilty verdict.
Zuma became the President of the ANC on 18 December 2007 after defeating incumbent Thabo Mbeki at the ANC conference in Polokwane.
