JOHANNESBURG - Love him or hate him, Jacob Zuma has played a pivotal role in shaping the African National Congress, the oldest liberation movement on the continent.
He has also been a key driver of South Africa’s democracy, but not always in the best interests of the Republic.
In December 1997 Zuma was appointed deputy president of the ANC. In mid-1999, he was sworn in as deputy president of South Africa, under then president, Thabo Mbeki.
Six years later, Mbeki fired him.
This after a court found Zuma’s friend, Schabir Shaik guilty of corruption and fraud.
While Zuma was not put on trial, he was cited for having had a corruption relationship with Shaik.
eNCA senior reporter Aviwe Mtila reflects on Zuma, the politician, ahead of the resumption of his corruption trial on Thursday.