Jacob Zuma Fast Facts - CNN

Jacob Zuma Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 1905 GMT (0305 HKT) March 28, 2024

Former South African President Jacob Zuma appears in a courtroom in Durban, South Africa, in April 2018. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of fraud, racketeering and corruption relating to an arms deal in the late 1990s.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Former South African President Jacob Zuma appears in a courtroom in Durban, South Africa, in April 2018. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of fraud, racketeering and corruption relating to an arms deal in the late 1990s.
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In 1991, Zuma casts a vote for the ANC's new national executive. The ANC is the African National Congress, the political party that has led South Africa since the end of apartheid. For many years, the ANC and other opposition parties were banned in South Africa.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
In 1991, Zuma casts a vote for the ANC's new national executive. The ANC is the African National Congress, the political party that has led South Africa since the end of apartheid. For many years, the ANC and other opposition parties were banned in South Africa.
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Zuma campaigns with ANC leader Nelson Mandela, left, during South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994. Mandela was elected President. Zuma became the ANC's national chairman later that year.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma campaigns with ANC leader Nelson Mandela, left, during South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994. Mandela was elected President. Zuma became the ANC's national chairman later that year.
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President Mandela is flanked by Zuma and Deputy President Thabo Mbeki, left, at the ANC's National Congress in 1997. At this conference, Mandela announced that he would be stepping down as president of the ANC and leaving it to Mbeki. Zuma would become the party's deputy president. After Mbeki was elected to be the country's President in 1999, Zuma was appointed as his deputy.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
President Mandela is flanked by Zuma and Deputy President Thabo Mbeki, left, at the ANC's National Congress in 1997. At this conference, Mandela announced that he would be stepping down as president of the ANC and leaving it to Mbeki. Zuma would become the party's deputy president. After Mbeki was elected to be the country's President in 1999, Zuma was appointed as his deputy.
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In 2005, a South African court found businessman Schabir Shaik guilty of bribing Zuma between 1995 and 2002. Zuma, seen here replying to a question in Parliament, was fired by President Mbaki over his alleged involvement in the bribery scandal.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
In 2005, a South African court found businessman Schabir Shaik guilty of bribing Zuma between 1995 and 2002. Zuma, seen here replying to a question in Parliament, was fired by President Mbaki over his alleged involvement in the bribery scandal.
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Zuma leaves the Johannesburg High Court in February 2006. He had been charged with raping a young family friend; he claimed the sex was consensual. Zuma was acquitted a few months later.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma leaves the Johannesburg High Court in February 2006. He had been charged with raping a young family friend; he claimed the sex was consensual. Zuma was acquitted a few months later.
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Zuma is congratulated by his attorney after his acquittal in May 2006.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma is congratulated by his attorney after his acquittal in May 2006.
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Zuma addresses supporters outside the court in Pietermaritzburg in September 2006. A South African judge on Wednesday threw out corruption charges against Zuma, boosting the popular politician's bid to succeed President Thabo Mbeki.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma addresses supporters outside the court in Pietermaritzburg in September 2006. A South African judge on Wednesday threw out corruption charges against Zuma, boosting the popular politician's bid to succeed President Thabo Mbeki.
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Zuma gives an interview the day after his acquittal. He apologized to the nation and launched a bid for the presidency.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma gives an interview the day after his acquittal. He apologized to the nation and launched a bid for the presidency.
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Zuma, right, is congratulated by Mbeki after defeating him to become the new president of the ANC in December 2007.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma, right, is congratulated by Mbeki after defeating him to become the new president of the ANC in December 2007.
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From left, Zuma, Mandela and Mbeki arrive on stage for Mandela's 90th birthday celebration in August 2008.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
From left, Zuma, Mandela and Mbeki arrive on stage for Mandela's 90th birthday celebration in August 2008.
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Zuma sings and dances after a speech at a rally in February 2009. Zuma was elected as South Africa's President a couple of months later.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma sings and dances after a speech at a rally in February 2009. Zuma was elected as South Africa's President a couple of months later.
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Zuma takes an oath during his inauguration in May 2009.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma takes an oath during his inauguration in May 2009.
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US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addresses journalists next to Zuma in August 2009. The two met in Durban, South Africa.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addresses journalists next to Zuma in August 2009. The two met in Durban, South Africa.
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Zuma addresses the United Nations General Assembly in September 2009.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma addresses the United Nations General Assembly in September 2009.
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Zuma signs a blackboard in October 2009, pledging South Africa's support for a global campaign to ensure education for all the world's children.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma signs a blackboard in October 2009, pledging South Africa's support for a global campaign to ensure education for all the world's children.
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Zuma sings and dances with his new wife, Thobeka Mabhija, at their wedding ceremony in January 2010. It was the fifth marriage for the polygamous Zuma.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma sings and dances with his new wife, Thobeka Mabhija, at their wedding ceremony in January 2010. It was the fifth marriage for the polygamous Zuma.
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Zuma inspects the troops at a ceremonial welcome in London in March 2010.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma inspects the troops at a ceremonial welcome in London in March 2010.
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Zuma looks at a chess set with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during his state visit in 2010. The chess set had been given to the Queen by Nelson Mandela in 1996.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma looks at a chess set with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during his state visit in 2010. The chess set had been given to the Queen by Nelson Mandela in 1996.
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Zuma and FIFA President Sepp Blatter address the crowd before the opening match of the 2010 World Cup. South Africa was the first African country to host the tournament.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma and FIFA President Sepp Blatter address the crowd before the opening match of the 2010 World Cup. South Africa was the first African country to host the tournament.
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Zuma, left, and Sky Sports commentator Chris Kamara play a charity soccer match in Cape Town, South Africa, in July 2010.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma, left, and Sky Sports commentator Chris Kamara play a charity soccer match in Cape Town, South Africa, in July 2010.
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Zuma shakes hands with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner at a G20 Summit in Seoul, South Korea, in November 2010.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma shakes hands with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner at a G20 Summit in Seoul, South Korea, in November 2010.
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Zuma addresses dignitaries during the opening ceremony of an International Olympic Committee session in July 2011. The IOC was meeting to decide which city would host the 2018 Winter Games.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma addresses dignitaries during the opening ceremony of an International Olympic Committee session in July 2011. The IOC was meeting to decide which city would host the 2018 Winter Games.
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Zuma greets American civil-rights activist Jesse Jackson at a ceremony in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in January 2012.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma greets American civil-rights activist Jesse Jackson at a ceremony in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in January 2012.
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Zuma toasts his 70th birthday in April 2012.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma toasts his 70th birthday in April 2012.
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Zuma looks at Cyril Ramaphosa after Ramaphosa was elected deputy president of the ANC in December 2012. Zuma was re-elected as the party's president.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma looks at Cyril Ramaphosa after Ramaphosa was elected deputy president of the ANC in December 2012. Zuma was re-elected as the party's president.
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Zuma sings during a send-off ceremony for former President Nelson Mandela, who died in December 2013 at the age of 95.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma sings during a send-off ceremony for former President Nelson Mandela, who died in December 2013 at the age of 95.
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Zuma unveils a giant statue of Mandela at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, in December 2013.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma unveils a giant statue of Mandela at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, in December 2013.
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Zuma and his wife Thobeka Mabhija, right, pose with then Zimbabwean President <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/31/africa/gallery/robert-mugabe/index.html" target="_blank">Robert Mugabe</a> and his wife, Grace, as they meet in Pretoria in April 2015.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma and his wife Thobeka Mabhija, right, pose with then Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and his wife, Grace, as they meet in Pretoria in April 2015.
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US President Barack Obama jokes with Zuma during a New York luncheon hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in September 2015.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
US President Barack Obama jokes with Zuma during a New York luncheon hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in September 2015.
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Zuma poses for a photo following a television interview in October 2015.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma poses for a photo following a television interview in October 2015.
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Zuma and Obama shake hands before a group photo at the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China, in September 2016. In November of that year, a report was published that contained <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/02/africa/south-africa-pretoria-zuma-protests/" target="_blank">corruption allegations against Zuma. </a>Zuma denied any wrongdoing. He also <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/10/africa/jacob-zuma-no-confidence-vote/" target="_blank">avoided a vote of no-confidence</a> in Parliament. It was the third time in less than a year that Zuma had faced such a vote.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma and Obama shake hands before a group photo at the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China, in September 2016. In November of that year, a report was published that contained corruption allegations against Zuma. Zuma denied any wrongdoing. He also avoided a vote of no-confidence in Parliament. It was the third time in less than a year that Zuma had faced such a vote.
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Zuma talks on his cell phone during a G20 session in Hamburg, Germany, in July 2017. A month later, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/08/africa/zuma-south-africa-vote/index.html" target="_blank">he survived an ouster attempt</a> in his country's National Assembly. A motion of no-confidence was defeated by 198 votes to 177.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma talks on his cell phone during a G20 session in Hamburg, Germany, in July 2017. A month later, he survived an ouster attempt in his country's National Assembly. A motion of no-confidence was defeated by 198 votes to 177.
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Zuma attends an African Union summit in January 2018. In 2017, South Africa's Constitutional Court ordered Zuma to repay millions of dollars in public funds spent on refurbishing his private homestead.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma attends an African Union summit in January 2018. In 2017, South Africa's Constitutional Court ordered Zuma to repay millions of dollars in public funds spent on refurbishing his private homestead.
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Zuma <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/14/africa/jacob-zuma-resigns-as-south-africa-president-intl/index.html">announces his resignation </a>during a nationally televised address in February 2018. "No life should be lost in my name and also the ANC should never be divided in my name," he said. "I have therefore come to the decision to resign as President of the Republic with immediate effect." The ANC had been trying to push Zuma out for months. It dumped him as party president in December 2017, narrowly electing Cyril Ramaphosa over Zuma's preferred successor, his ex-wife and former cabinet minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma announces his resignation during a nationally televised address in February 2018. "No life should be lost in my name and also the ANC should never be divided in my name," he said. "I have therefore come to the decision to resign as President of the Republic with immediate effect." The ANC had been trying to push Zuma out for months. It dumped him as party president in December 2017, narrowly electing Cyril Ramaphosa over Zuma's preferred successor, his ex-wife and former cabinet minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
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Zuma sits in the dock at the High Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in November 2018. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/06/africa/south-africa-jacob-zuma-court-intl/index.html" target="_blank">He was charged with 16 counts of corruption, money laundering and racketeering</a> stemming from a billion-dollar government arms deal. He has denied all the allegations against him.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma sits in the dock at the High Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in November 2018. He was charged with 16 counts of corruption, money laundering and racketeering stemming from a billion-dollar government arms deal. He has denied all the allegations against him.
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Zuma addresses hundreds of local residents in Shakaskraal, South Africa, in April 2019.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma addresses hundreds of local residents in Shakaskraal, South Africa, in April 2019.
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Zuma attends his trial in May 2019. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma attends his trial in May 2019. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
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Zuma arrives to appear before the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, which was probing wide-ranging allegations of corruption in government and state-owned companies, in July 2019.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma arrives to appear before the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, which was probing wide-ranging allegations of corruption in government and state-owned companies, in July 2019.
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Zuma bows toward the casket of the late Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe during a farewell ceremony in Harare, Zimbabwe, in September 2019.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma bows toward the casket of the late Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe during a farewell ceremony in Harare, Zimbabwe, in September 2019.
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Zuma arrives for his trial in May 2021.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma arrives for his trial in May 2021.
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Zuma addresses supporters at his home in Nkandla, South Africa, in July 2021. In June, South Africa's highest court found Zuma guilty of contempt of court and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/29/africa/jacob-zuma-contempt-sentencing-intl/index.html" target="_blank">sentenced him to 15 months in prison.</a> The order stemmed from Zuma's refusal to appear at an anti-corruption commission to answer questions about his alleged involvement in corruption during his time as president. <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/04/africa/jacob-zuma-courts-south-africa-intl/index.html" target="_blank">Zuma likened his treatment to apartheid-era detention without trial.</a>
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma addresses supporters at his home in Nkandla, South Africa, in July 2021. In June, South Africa's highest court found Zuma guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him to 15 months in prison. The order stemmed from Zuma's refusal to appear at an anti-corruption commission to answer questions about his alleged involvement in corruption during his time as president. Zuma likened his treatment to apartheid-era detention without trial.
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Zuma appears virtually from the Estcourt correctional service facility in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in July 2021. He was <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/20/africa/zuma-corruption-trial-adjourned-intl/index.html" target="_blank">seeking a further delay in his corruption trial.</a>
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
Zuma appears virtually from the Estcourt correctional service facility in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in July 2021. He was seeking a further delay in his corruption trial.
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Here's a look at the life of Jacob Zuma, former president of South Africa. Zuma survived at least half a dozen no-confidence votes during his presidency.

Personal

Birth date: April 12, 1942
    Birth place: Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
      Birth name: Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma
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      Father: Gcinamazwi Zuma, police officer
      Mother: Nobhekisisa Bessie, domestic worker
        Marriages: Bongi Ngema (2012-present); Thobeka Stacy Mabhija (2010-present); Nompumelelo Ntuli (2008-present); Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini (1982-1998, divorced); Kate Mantsho Zuma (1976-2000, her death); Gertrude Sizakele Khumalo Zuma (1973-present)
        Children: Reportedly has more than 20 children

        ANC Work and Exile

        1958 - Joins the African National Congress (ANC).
        1962 - Becomes a member of the Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), the military arm of the ANC.
        1963 - Arrested with other Spear of the Nation members and convicted of conspiring to overthrow the South African government. Zuma spends 10 years in prison on Robben Island.
        1975 - Flees South Africa and lives in exile for 15 years in Swaziland, Mozambique, Zambia and several other African countries, while continuing his work with the ANC.
        February 1990 - President F. W. de Klerk lifts the ban on the ANC and other opposition groups. Zuma returns to South Africa.

        ANC Leadership and Corruption Charges

        1990 - At the ANC's first Regional Congress in KwaZulu-Natal province, Zuma is elected chairperson of the Southern Natal region and takes a leading role in fighting violence in the region. This results in peace accords between the ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party.
        December 1994 - Is elected as the national chairperson of the ANC.
        1997-2007 - Deputy president of the ANC.
        October 1998 - Receives the Nelson Mandela Award for Outstanding Leadership.
        1999-2005 - Deputy president of South Africa.
        June 2, 2005 - A South African court finds businessman Schabir Shaik guilty of bribing Zuma between 1995 and 2002.
        June 14, 2005 - President Thabo Mbeki fires Zuma over his alleged involvement in the Shaik bribery scandal.
        December 6, 2005 - Charged with raping a young female family friend; he claims the sex was consensual. He is acquitted on May 8, 2006.
        September 5, 2006 - Brought to trial and charged with corruption for allegedly accepting bribes from French arms company Thint Holdings. On September 20, the charges are dismissed by the court after numerous extensions by prosecutors to build the state's case.
        2007-2017 - President of the ANC.
        December 28, 2007 - New corruption charges are brought against Zuma, along with counts of racketeering and money laundering. The corruption charges are tossed by the court in September 2008.
        May 1, 2008 - Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People.
        January 12, 2009 - The Supreme Court of Appeal overturns the lower court ruling that threw out corruption charges against Zuma, stating that the ruling was riddled with errors. This new ruling means that the National Prosecuting Authority can press new charges against Zuma.
        April 6, 2009 - Prosecutors drop all corruption charges against Zuma.

        Presidency and Resignation

        April 26, 2009 - The ANC wins a majority of votes in South African elections, ensuring that Zuma will be the country's next president.
        May 9, 2009 - Inaugurated as president.
        February 2010 - Zuma admits to fathering a child out of wedlock with the daughter of the head of South Africa's World Cup organizing committee.
        December 2010 - Zuma files a $700,000 defamation lawsuit over a 2008 political cartoon which portrays him raping a female figure symbolizing justice.
        March 20, 2012 - The Supreme Court of Appeal rules that the Democratic Alliance (an opposition party) can challenge a previous court's decision to drop corruption charges against Zuma.
        May 7, 2014 - Zuma secures a second term as president, with the ANC winning a majority of votes.
        March 31, 2016 - The South African Constitutional Court rules that Zuma defied the constitution when he used 246 million rand ($15 million) in state funds to upgrade his private home. The court says Zuma must repay money spent on renovations unrelated to security.
        Court: South African President defied constitution
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        April 29, 2016 - A South African court rules that prosecutors acted "irrationally" when they decided to drop more than 700 corruption and fraud charges against Zuma in 2009. The court says the decision should be set aside and reviewed. It remains up to prosecutors whether to reinstate the charges.
        November 2, 2016 - A report containing corruption allegations against Zuma is published. The 355-page "State of Capture" report contains allegations, and in some instances evidence, of cronyism, questionable business deals and ministerial appointments, and other possible large-scale corruption at the very top of government. Zuma denies any wrongdoing.
        November 10, 2016 - Zuma avoids a vote of no-confidence in parliament, with 214 votes against the motion, 126 for and 58 abstentions. It's the third time Zuma has faced such a vote in less than a year. The Democratic Alliance brought the motion of no confidence to parliament in an attempt to remove the president amid charges of corruption.
        November 29, 2016 - Members of the ANC say that Zuma will not step down as president, despite calls from people within his own party to resign.
        August 8, 2017 - A motion of no-confidence in Zuma is defeated, 198 votes to 177.
        October 13, 2017 - South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal upholds an April 2016 ruling by the High Court to reinstate corruption charges against Zuma.
        February 13, 2018 - The ANC announces a "recall" of Zuma, demanding that he resign. He resigns the next day.

        Charges and Prison Sentence

        March 16, 2018 - South Africa's national prosecuting authority announces that Zuma will be charged with 16 counts of corruption, money laundering and racketeering.
        February 4, 2020 - A South African judge issues Zuma an arrest warrant after he fails to appear to face charges in his long-running corruption case.
        February 2021 - A South African inquiry into corruption during Zuma's time in power is seeking the former president's imprisonment for two years, after he defied a summons and court order to appear and give evidence. In an application in the constitutional court seen by Reuters, the "state capture" inquiry is seeking an order that Zuma is guilty of contempt of court. Zuma has denied wrongdoing and refuses to cooperate with the inquiry.
        June 29, 2021 - South Africa's highest court finds Zuma guilty of contempt of court and sentences him to 15 months in prison. On July 3, the court agrees to hear Zuma's application for a review of their decision. In the application, Zuma and his lawyers claim that the 15-month prison sentence threatens his life and that the constitutional court's decision is unfair.
        July 4, 2021 - At a press conference at his homestead in Nkandla, Zuma likens his treatment to Apartheid-era detention without trial, saying, "Things like detention without trial should never again see the light of day in South Africa. The struggle for a free South Africa was a struggle for justice that everyone was treated equally before the law."
        July 7, 2021 - Zuma hands himself over to police to begin serving his 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court.
        August 6, 2021 - Is admitted to an outside hospital where he undergoes surgeries for an undisclosed ailment, according to prison authorities.
        September 5, 2021 - The government's correctional services department says Zuma has been released from prison on medical parole due to ill health.
        December 15, 2021 - The Gauteng High Court in South Africa rules that the decision to place Zuma on medical parole was unlawful and that Zuma needs to be returned into custody to serve the remainder of his sentence. Zuma appeals and remains on parole.
        October 7, 2022 - South Africa's Correctional Services department announces Zuma has been released from the correctional services system.
        November 21, 2022 - South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal rules Zuma should return to prison, saying the decision to release Zuma on medical parole was unlawful.
        August 11, 2023 - Zuma is returned to prison to comply with a ruling that his release on ill health was unlawful - but is freed after just an hour under a remission process to address overcrowding in jail.

          After Prison

          January 29, 2024 - The ANC announces it has suspended Zuma's membership. In December 2023, Zuma announced his support for a rival political party.
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