Before leaving office, former president Jacob Zuma’s lifestyle came under scrutiny especially after it emerged that he was living an extravagant lifestyle while a majority of South Africans were struggling with the high cost of living.
Among the extravagances in Jacob Zuma’s life that caught the public’s attention was the number of cars that he purchased for his wives during his tenures.
This article looks back at Jacob Zuma’s wives’ cars that caused quite a stir a few years ago. We will also let you know about the former president’s four wives.
Read also: Take a look at Jacob Zuma’s houses and cars.
Jacob Zuma’s wives’ cars
In 2016, a report that was presented to parliament revealed that Jacob Zuma who was the president back then, had spent about R8.6 million out of South African Police Service (SAPS) budget to purchase a fleet of luxury vehicles for his four wives.
Appearing before the parliamentary hearing, the former Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko that his ministry had spent $230,000 alone on Zuma’s wives luxury cars in 2016 only and a total of 11 cars had been bought since 2012 namely:
- Four Range Rovers bought in 2013 for $60,000 each
- Two Land Rover Discovery worth $40,000 each bought in 2014
- Two Audi Q7s bought in March 2016 for $40,000
- Three Audi A6s which were also bought in March 2016 for $50,000 each.
Read also: Meet Cyril Ramaphosa’s children.
Who are Jacob Zuma’s wives?
Jacob Zuma is a proud polygamous man who has been married at least seven times and has more than 20 children.
Over the years, some of his wives have passed on and others have divorced him. Here are Jacob Zuma’s four remaining wives.
Gertrude Sizakele
Gertrude Sizakele Khumalo is one of Jacob Zuma’s wives and his first wife. She served as the first lady of South Africa between 2009 to 2014.
Khumalo and Zuma met in 1959 and dated until 1963 when Zuma was imprisoned for ten years. After Jacob Zuma got released from prison in 1973, he and Khumalo got married.
Two years after their wedding, Jacob Zuma went into exile during which he met and married Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Nompumelelo Ntuli
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Nompumelelo Ntuli is currently the second of Jacob Zuma’s wives. She got married to Zuma in 2008 in a traditional ceremony that attracted huge media attention.
In 2015, Ntuli was named among those who allegedly tried to poison President Zuma and she was banned from the Nkandla homestead and detained by the State Security Agency but she was later vindicated.
Nomphumelelo Ntuli who also served as a former first lady is the mother of three of Jacob Zuma’s children- Manqoba Kholwani, Sinqobile, Thandisiwe.
Thobeka Stacie Mabhija
Thobeka Stacie is Mabhija is also one of Jacob Zuma’s wives. The two got married in 2010 when she was 48 years old.Together with Zuma, Mabhija also has three children.
Gloria Bongekile Ngema
Gloria Bongekile Ngema is the latest wife to be married to Jacob Zuma. The two got married in an extravagant and elaborate traditional wedding ceremony that was reportedly graced by over 2,000 guests in 2012.
Read also: Meet Jacob Zuma’s entire clan.