Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma (born 12 April 1942) is the President of South Africa, elected (South African presidential election, 2009) by parliament following his partys victory in the 2009 general election (South African general election, 2009).

Zuma is the President of the African National Congress (ANC), the governing political party, and was Deputy President of South Africa from 1999 to 2005. Zuma is also referred to by his initials JZ and his clan name (isibongo) Msholozi. Zuma became the President of the ANC on 18 December 2007 after defeating incumbent Thabo Mbeki at the ANC conference in Polokwane (52nd National Conference of the African National Congress). Zuma was also a member of the South African Communist Party (SACP), briefly serving on the partys Politburo until he left the party in 1990. On 20 September 2008, Thabo Mbeki announced his resignation after being recalled by the African National Congresss National Executive Committee (National Executive Committee (African National Congress)), following a conclusion by Judge Nicholson of improper interference in the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) (National Prosecuting Authority), including the prosecution of Jacob Zuma for corruption.Citation neededreason=previous citation was to which redirect to main page of news24date=May 2010

Zuma has faced significant legal challenges. He was charged with rape in 2005, but was acquitted. In addition, he fought a long legal battle over allegations of racketeering and corruption (political corruption), resulting from his financial advisor Schabir Shaiks conviction for corruption and fraud. On 6 April 2009, the National Prosecuting Authority decided to drop the charges citing political interference.