Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s brother Joseph Zuma has sadly passed away. He died from stroke on Tuesday 28th May 2024 surrounded by his beloved family. The news of his passing was known through a post that reads “Former president Jacob Zuma has lost his elder brother, Joseph, who died on Tuesday after casting his special vote the day before.”
Who is Jacob Zuma?
Jacob Zuma, often referred to by his initials JZ and clan names Nxamalala and Msholozi, is a South African politician who served as the fourth president of South Africa from 2009 to 2018. Zuma’s political journey is marked by his early anti-apartheid activism, his significant role within the African National Congress (ANC), and his controversial presidency. Born in the rural region of Nkandla in what is now the KwaZulu-Natal province, Jacob Zuma’s roots are deeply entrenched in the traditional Zulu community.
His commitment to the anti-apartheid struggle led him to join uMkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the ANC, which aimed to fight against apartheid through sabotage and guerrilla warfare. Zuma’s activism resulted in his imprisonment on Robben Island for ten years, where he was a political prisoner alongside other prominent anti-apartheid leaders, including Nelson Mandela. After his release from Robben Island, Zuma continued his fight against apartheid from exile.
In 1975, he was appointed to head the ANC’s intelligence department, a crucial role during the struggle. His work in intelligence was instrumental in maintaining the ANC’s operations despite the South African government’s efforts to dismantle the organization. The unbanning of the ANC in 1990 marked a significant turning point in South African history, and Zuma quickly rose through the party’s ranks. He became deputy secretary general in 1991, national chairperson in 1994, and deputy president in 1997. These positions solidified his influence within the ANC and set the stage for his future political career.
Jacob Zuma served as deputy president of South Africa from 1999 to 2005 under President Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela’s successor. His tenure as deputy president was marred by controversy when his financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, was convicted of making corrupt payments to Zuma in connection with the Arms Deal. This scandal led to Mbeki dismissing Zuma on 14 June 2005.
