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SA's Zuma marries his third wife | SA's Zuma marries his third wife |
(about 4 hours later) | |
South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has married his third wife, in a Zulu ceremony attended by his other wives. | |
Some 2,000 guests saw the 67-year-old marry Thobeka Mabhija, 36. The ceremony had been postponed from last year because of his political commitments. | |
Reports in South Africa suggest he already has another fiancee and his fourth wife may not be far off. | |
Correspondents say Mr Zuma's belief in the traditional practice of polygamy has divided South Africans. | Correspondents say Mr Zuma's belief in the traditional practice of polygamy has divided South Africans. |
Some support him but many younger people believe it should have no place in a modern society. | Some support him but many younger people believe it should have no place in a modern society. |
Under Zulu tradition, Mr Zuma's two current wives had to approve the wedding and attend the ceremony. | |
His new fiancee, Gloria Bongi Ngema, took umbondo (wedding gifts) to the Zuma family last week, reports say. | |
This ceremony is the last traditional event before a wedding and is done after ilobolo (dowry) has been paid to the bride's family. | |
Hive of activity | Hive of activity |
Monday's ceremony is Mr Zuma's fifth wedding - he married his first wife Sizakele Khumalo-Zuma in 1973 and Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma two years ago. | |
MRS JACOB ZUMA Thobeka Mabhija - married, January 2010 (above)Nompumelelo Ntuli - married, January 2008Sizakele Khumalo - married, 1973Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma - divorced, 1998Kate Mantsho Zuma - died, 2000 | |
He is also divorced from Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. | |
South African media reported that Mr Zuma's home in Nkandla, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, was a hive of activity in the run-up to the ceremony. | South African media reported that Mr Zuma's home in Nkandla, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, was a hive of activity in the run-up to the ceremony. |
Large tents were erected to accommodate guests, some of whom arrived in a number of buses on Monday. | |
Several cows, sheep and goats were slaughtered for the wedding feast. | Several cows, sheep and goats were slaughtered for the wedding feast. |
Locals including Mr Zuma were dressed in traditional Zulu attire - mostly made from animal skin. | Locals including Mr Zuma were dressed in traditional Zulu attire - mostly made from animal skin. |
When Mr Zuma was inaugurated as president in May, speculation was rife about who would be the first lady. | When Mr Zuma was inaugurated as president in May, speculation was rife about who would be the first lady. |
He has attended some high-profile events with all his wives, including Ms Mabhija. | He has attended some high-profile events with all his wives, including Ms Mabhija. |
Mr Zuma, who has 19 children - three with Ms Mabhija - paid ilobolo to the Mabhija family two years ago. | Mr Zuma, who has 19 children - three with Ms Mabhija - paid ilobolo to the Mabhija family two years ago. |
One of his earlier wives, Kate Mantsho-Zuma, died in 2000. | One of his earlier wives, Kate Mantsho-Zuma, died in 2000. |