The number 20

Twenty children. Twenty children what, you ask? Twenty children that Jacob Zuma, the President of South Africa, is the father of. Twenty! I really just can’t get over that number. I had no idea until the newspapers covered the birth of his 20th child a few weeks ago. He is a polygamist, currently having 3 wives and engaged to a fourth. That’s not really what bothers me in this scenario, as polygamy is part of many cultures and I don’t really want to get into a discussion on Western standards and morality. The bigger issue is that many of Zuma’s children (including the most recent) were born to women he is not married to. (Can you imagine the scandal this would be in the U.S. political world?) It’s particularly disturbing that many of the women he has relationships with are daughters of rather important figures (for example, his most recent child was born to the daughter of the South African Chairman for the 2010 FIFA World Cup). Though I realize it’s not fair to jump to any conclusions on the nature of those relationships, his past has to make one at least a bit wary. On top of being tried for serious corruption crimes, Zuma was also tried for rape a few years ago. The corruption charges were dismissed and he was acquitted on the rape charges. Still, I think it’s interesting to note that during the trial he said the woman had wanted to have sex because she was wearing a short skirt. Also, this was an HIV+ woman he knowingly had unprotected sex with, but he is on record for saying he took a shower afterwards to reduce the risk of transmission.

All things considered, I think that’s the biggest issue here: having a leader who sets such a terrible example of caring and being safe in relationships, in a country where there are such incredible problems related to safe sex and the spread of disease (namely, HIV). I just find this whole thing incredibly disturbing and outrageous on so many levels, and frankly, I’m surprised there isn’t more vocal public complaint. Yes, there are a few voices of concern out there, but by and large, it seems as if he’s just going to get away with this type of behavior. I admit he’s made huge strides (at least in comparison to Mbeki’s administration) in terms of finally being a leader who is willing to talk about HIV and who has also recently upgraded national treatment standards such that more people will be eligible for medications and prophylactic treatment for PMTCT, etc. But then how he can continue to go about having unprotected sex with numerous women, is truly beyond me...I wish people would be more outspoken about things the ANC (African National Congress, Nelson Mandela’s political party which was largely responsible for overturning white minority rule in this country) gets wrong, as opposed to supporting the party and its leaders who took part in the freedom struggle no matter what.

Speaking of the ANC (and the number 20), last Thursday was the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. It’s easy to forget South Africa is such a young democracy, but it’s an important reminder to put things in perspective, especially during times of political frustration. There is certainly a long, long way to go, but at the same time, no one can dispute that this country has overcome incredible barriers in its past and young existence, thanks to the remarkable leadership of some amazing individuals. It’s a slow process, but hopefully things continue to improve...