Jacob Zuma Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 1339 GMT (2139 HKT) April 7, 2021

South African President Jacob Zuma was in office for nearly a decade. As head of the party that led South Africa out of apartheid, Zuma won elections in 2009 and 2014. But he has also been dogged by criminal investigations and corruption allegations. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/08/africa/zuma-south-africa-vote/index.html" target="_blank">Dubbed the "Teflon" President,</a> Zuma survived a half dozen no-confidence votes before <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/14/africa/jacob-zuma-resigns-as-south-africa-president-intl/index.html" target="_blank">finally resigning</a> on February 14.
Photos: Jacob Zuma's embattled political career
South African President Jacob Zuma was in office for nearly a decade. As head of the party that led South Africa out of apartheid, Zuma won elections in 2009 and 2014. But he has also been dogged by criminal investigations and corruption allegations. Dubbed the "Teflon" President, Zuma survived a half dozen no-confidence votes before finally resigning on February 14.
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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 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.