Jacob Zuma's Marriages: Polygamy, Politics, and Presidential Divorce
South Africa's president had 6 wives, divorced 1, and lost 1 to suicide
Key Facts
What Happened
Jacob Zuma, South Africa's president from 2009 to 2018, has been married six times. His marital history reflects South Africa's unique legal landscape, where customary (tribal) marriages, civil marriages, and Muslim marriages all coexist with different legal frameworks.
Zuma's most notable divorce was from Kate Mantsho in 1998, though she died by suicide in 2000 before proceedings were fully resolved. His divorce from Nompumelelo Ntuli in 2019 was contested, with allegations of attempted poisoning on both sides.
Under South Africa's Recognition of Customary Marriages Act (1998), polygamous customary marriages are legally valid. However, property division becomes extraordinarily complex when multiple marriages coexist — each wife has rights to the marital estate.
The Zuma marriages highlighted the tension between traditional African customs and modern constitutional rights. South Africa's Constitution guarantees equality, but customary law often treats wives differently based on seniority.
Legal Breakdown: Customary Marriage & Polygamy
Customary vs. Civil Marriage
South Africa recognizes both customary and civil marriages. Customary marriages can be polygamous. Civil marriages cannot. The type of marriage determines which property rules apply.
Polygamy and Property
When a man has multiple customary wives, each marriage creates a separate property estate. Upon divorce or death, assets must be divided considering all wives' rights — a complex legal puzzle.
Constitutional Equality
South Africa's Constitution guarantees gender equality, but this creates tension with customary practices where first wives may have more rights than subsequent wives.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →If you're in a customary or polygamous marriage, understand which legal framework governs your property rights.
- →Multiple marriages create multiple property estates. Ensure your marriage is registered to protect your claims.
- →South African constitutional rights can override customary practices that disadvantage women.
- →The type of marriage you enter determines your divorce rights. Choose carefully and get legal advice.
Going Through a Divorce?
Get confidential guidance tailored to your situation — free, private, and available 24/7.
Related Cases
Jacob Zuma & multiple wives
South Africa · 1998–present
A president with six wives, twenty-three children, a suicide, a poisoning allegation, and a rape trial
Alternative SystemsJacob Zuma & Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (and 5 other wives)
South Africa · 1998
Six wives, one divorce, one death, and the most complicated family law situation in South African political history.
Alternative SystemsHrithik Roshan & Sussanne Khan
India · 2014
A Bollywood superstar's amicable split set the standard for Indian celebrity divorces
Alternative SystemsWas this helpful? Help us keep it free.
divorce911.ai is funded entirely by donations. Every dollar keeps the AI assistant and 1,700+ guides free for people in crisis.
Know someone going through a divorce? This could help them.
This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.