7 Proud and Powerful Times Jacob Zuma Fully Embraced His Zulu Culture in Traditional Attire

Born in the rural region of Nkandla, which is now part of the KwaZulu-Natal province, Jacob Zuma, affectionately known as Msholozi, has never been one to shy away from any opportunity to embrace his Zulu heritage.

Whether it be through song, dance, or what he chooses to wear, Zuma is a true Zulu man through and through.

Briefly News has compiled some of the former president’s most iconic looks donned in traditional regalia at different cultural ceremonies.

Zuma weds wifey number four

Here former president Jacob Zuma attends his wedding ceremony held on 5 January 2007, in a colourful Zulu traditional wedding outfit at Zuma's rural homestead of Nkandla, some 400 kilometres north of Durban.

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According to Getty Images, Zuma married his fourth wife and mother of his youngest children in a ceremony at his homestead attended by some 500 guests, local media reported.

Msholozi adheres to many traditional Zulu customs, including polygamy. According to Britannica.com, this has endeared him to some segments of the population but has also been a source of criticism from others, who find some customs to be at odds with what they consider to be modern societal norms.

Jacob accepts gift from traditional healers

In this fashion moment, Zuma shows off his gown given to him by traditional healers at the 96th birthday of the existence of the ANC held at the Atteridgeville Studium west of Pretoria. Zuma used his first keynote speech as leader of South Africa's ruling ANC to rebuke President Thabo Mbeki's failure to narrow the wealth gap while saying he would not undermine his rival.

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In an address to mark the party's 96th birthday, Zuma acknowledged Mbeki had presided over an uninterrupted period of growth but said "serious challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality remain" to be tackled.

Zuma takes on 5th wife

Zuma is seen singing and dancing with his newlywed Tobeka Madiba at their wedding ceremony on January 4, 2010 in a colourful Zulu traditional wedding outfit.

Wearing leopard skins and carrying a Zulu shield, South Africa's polygamous President Jacob Zuma got married for the fifth time, in a traditional ceremony in his remote hometown.

You just can't keep Msholozi down, ties the knot again

The former president is once again seen during his traditional wedding ceremony to Bongi Ngema on April 20, 2012 in Nkandla, South Africa. Here, the president, who had been married six times, had a total of four current wives.

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Zuma rubs shoulders with the late Zulu King

The father of the nation is pictured with the late Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu together with thousands of people to honour the birth of Zulu warrior and founder of the Zulu nation King Shaka at Kwadukuzu in 2008.

Jacob Zuma the family man

Some of the Zuma clan are well known to the public and tabloids, others prefer to keep to themselves. In this heartwarming snap, the father of 23 is seen talking to his children Snqumo and Tandesile at the wedding of his eldest son Edward, fiercely loyal of his dad, on October 8, 2011 in Nkandla, South Africa.

Zuma shares a moment with some Zulu warriors

In this particular moment, Zuma may have forgotten his full traditional gear, but he made do with what he had as he dances with hundreds of traditional Zulu leaders, Indunas and Amabuthos (warriors) at a meeting held between him and traditional leaders at the Durban City hall on January 5, 2018 in Durban

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Video of Carl Niehaus being forced to give up seat next to Zuma leaves Mzansi in stitches

In another story related to the former loved and controversial president, Briefly News reported that former uMkhonto we Sizwe spokesperson Carl Niehaus was the latest internet meme after a video of him at Jacob Zuma's address outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court surfaced.

The video shows Niehaus sitting on stage next to Msholozi before being asked to forfeit his seat for the African National Congress (ANC) KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Siboniso Duma.

Niehaus also posted a picture of himself seated next to Zuma; however, South Africans quickly pointed out that the picture was taken before being asked to "step-aside."

Source: Briefly News