Johannesburg: Amid media speculation about
who will the `First Lady` of South African President Jacob
Zuma after he married for a fifth time, his office on Thursday said
there will be no such designation as the constitution has no
provision in this regard.
The Zulu traditionalist took Tobeka Madiba-Zuma as his
third current wife on Monday. One of Zuma`s wives is divorced
while another had died in 2000.
"The Presidency has noted media reports and speculation
following the wedding of President Jacob Zuma to Ms Tobeka
Madiba-Zuma and wishes to clarify a few points," his office
said in a statement.
"The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
and the public service regulations do not make provision for a
First Lady or First Ladies, and there is no such official
designation," it said.
The President will be accompanied by any of the spouses
to official or public engagements, or all of them at the same
time should he so decide, the Presidency said. "This is his
prerogative, and has been the practice since he took office."
Noting "incorrect media reports" stating that Zuma has
five wives, it said, "For the record, President Zuma has three
wives" and "a fiancee".
PTI
