Politics · Living
Born: 12 April 1942 · Age: 84
Jacob Zuma is 84 years old as of October 2026. He was born on 12 April 1942.
Former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid leader
Did you know?He spent ten years imprisoned on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela during the struggle against the apartheid regime.
Jacob Zuma rose from herding cattle in rural KwaZulu-Natal to the presidency of South Africa. He was a charismatic populist. He built a loyal following, especially among poorer voters. His time in office was dominated by corruption scandals. Many centred on the influential Gupta family and a costly upgrade to his private home. His own party forced him out in 2018. He later founded a new party and remains a powerful force.
Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma (born 12 April 1942) is a South African politician who served as the fourth president of South Africa from 2009 to 2018. Zuma was a former anti-apartheid activist, member of uMkhonto weSizwe, and president of the African National Congress (ANC) from 2007 to 2017.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Profile
South African politician, born 1942
Jacob Zuma was born in Nkandla on 12 April 1942.
He spent ten years on Robben Island.
He was President from 2009 to 2018.
He was jailed for contempt of court in 2021.
Career highlights
Did you know?He had no formal schooling and taught himself to read.
Questions people ask
b. 1961
1933–2018
b. 1947
1947–2013
1903–1987
b. 1994Missing someone? Suggest them
1452–1519
1853–1890
1889–1977
1685–1750A newspaper from their birth date
The front page from the day they were born, a classic keepsake.
Shop on AmazonAries zodiac gifts
Jewellery, prints and candles for the Aries in your life.
Shop on EtsyStar map of April 12
A custom print of the night sky on their birthday.
Shop on EtsyMilestone birthday gifts
Ideas for 18th, 30th, 40th, 50th and beyond.
Shop on AmazonWe may earn a small commission from purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Reviewed by the Who Shares My Birthday editorial team.
Last reviewed: October 2026