Our Favourite Polygamist Strikes Again…

After his fourth marriage put him at the centre of media attention worldwide, our favourite polygamist and President Jacob – Jay Z – Zuma has once again found a way into the international spotlight: He has become father for the 20th time and none of his four wives or his new fiancé is the mother!

Instead, Jay Z acknowledged fathering a child with the daughter of his friend Irvin Khoza, the chairman of the World Cup organising committee.

Once again, I’ve collected a few views on Jay Z’s recent strike… enjoy!


Jay Z himself...
“It is unfortunate that the individuals concerned have been unfairly subjected to harsh media exposure merely because of the position that I occupy. I have done the necessary cultural imperatives in a situation of this nature, for example the formal acknowledgement of paternity and responsibility, including the payment of inhlawulo (damages for a child born out of wedlock) to the family.”

Jackson Mthembu, a Spokesman for the African National Congress
“Why should a relationship between two adults be made an issue? Why should it make headlines? Why is it characterised by some media as a ‘Shame to the nation’? There is nothing wrong that the president has done. By being involved with any other person, President Zuma is not guilty of any offence and he has not breached our constitution or any of our laws.”

Brian Sokutu, a Spokesman for the African National Congress
“The President's relationship with a fifth woman was not adulterous because Mr Zuma was a polygamist who might have been planning to marry her.”

Terror Lekota, President of the Congress of the People
“Zuma’s behaviour is scandalous and the President is a poor role model. His continued use of African custom as a smokescreen is no longer acceptable. Polygamy is not promiscuity and his behaviour is not justifiable. South Africans should tell Zuma to start behaving like a President and not a gigolo”.

Clara Motau, Leader of the Cape Women
"His outdated and baseless customary affection to making love to every woman, and without protection is blatantly demeaning to women. It makes our beloved country and its good people the laughing stock of the human race."

Mbulelo Mandlana, President of the South African Students’ Congress
"We condemn the irresponsible reports on President Zuma's personal life by journalists who have no respect for the elderly. As students we view the public discussion of such aspects of old people's lives as embarrassing and un-African."

Ndela Nelson Ntshangase, a Zulu Cultural Expert
"In the Zulu culture there is a great emphasis on family values and polygamy allows all children to grow up with both parents. If a child is born out of wedlock the child is in a vulnerable position and hence the culture has forbidden relationships leading to the birth of illegitimate children. So the issue is not about whether Zuma is a self-proclaimed polygamist since even by the standards of polygamous arrangements, the latest revelations raise many questions.”

A Comment by a Newspaper Reader
“Guess it is a culture thing. If I fornicated with ANY of my mates daughters they'd kill me - but that’s my culture. But different strokes for different folks I suppose.”