Jacob Zuma has come in from the cold to take over the reigns of the South African ship. A lot may lie in his whole election strategy. The populism that defined his approach may have consequences for service delivery and potential probleems such as that of xenophobia. We may remember that xenophobia became a problem a few months after Jacob Zuma was declared the ANC president in Polokwane. One hopes that the charismatic leader will be on hand to swiftly quell any riotous behaviour emanating from xenophobia.
· April 12 1942: Born Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal · 1958: Joined the African National Congress · 1975: Left South Africa and for the next 12 years was based first in Swaziland and then Mozambique. · 1990: Was one of the first ANC leaders to return to South Africa to begin the process of negotiation · 1994: Nominated as the ANC candidate for the premiership of the KZN. · 1999 appointed deputy president of the republic · June 2005: Sacked as deputy president · October 2005: Charged with corruption · December 2005: Charged with rape · April 2006: Acquitted of rape charges · September 2006: Corruption case collapses · December 2007: Elected ANC president; re-charged with corruption shortly afterwards · September 2008: Judge rules corruption case cannot proceed · January 2009: Prosecutors win appeal, opening the way for Zuma to be recharged · 6 April 6 2009: Prosecutors drop charges after receiving new phone-tap evidence · April 22 2009: Election Date
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