Jacob G. Zuma (then President of the Republic of South Africa), attends World Economic Forum on Africa 2010 at the World Economic Forum on Africa held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, May 7, 2010. Copyright World Economic Forum (www.weforum.org)/Photo: Zahur Ramji / Mediapix
Jacob Zuma: Twitter reacts to Msholozi’s 78th birthday
Former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma celebrated his 78th birthday today (12 April 2020) and tweeps came out in force to wish him well.
Jacob G. Zuma (then President of the Republic of South Africa), attends World Economic Forum on Africa 2010 at the World Economic Forum on Africa held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, May 7, 2010. Copyright World Economic Forum (www.weforum.org)/Photo: Zahur Ramji / Mediapix
Former President Jacob Zuma celebrated his 78th birthday on Sunday 12 April, and Twitter users marked the occasion in numerous ways.
Zuma day comes to Twitter
A divisive figure for much of his time in the public eye, Msholozi’s birthday has drawn a mixed response on social media.
Some have used the occasion to highlight the work the former president did during his time in office and throughout the struggle against Apartheid.
Still, others have taken to Twitter to express dissatisfaction with the present leadership of the country or take potshots at Zuma’s former ally and long-time political rival EFF leader Julius Malema.
Celebrating the achievements of Jacob Zuma as president
Twitter users were quick to remind South Africans that it was under Zuma’s charge that the country rolled out widespread antiretrovirals to combat the AIDS epidemic.
Thank you for the memes
His struggle credentials and achievements in office aside, Zuma was also thanked for spawning a legion of memes.
The ANC and national government used the day and their birthday wishes to Zuma, to encourage South Africans to stay at home and adhere to the terms of the national lockdown.
Not everybody is a fan of the former president, and plenty of social media users used their platforms to call for further action to be taken against Zuma.
Well-wishers abound for the controversial former president
The Jacob Zuma Foundation described Nxamalala as a solid cadre of the movement and a patron of the organisation. The foundation sent birthday well-wishes to the former president in a statement.
“We wish to convey a message of good health and many more years of happiness and good life after all your selfless sacrifice to liberate us.
“We continue to reflect on some of the important lessons from you and about you Baba Nxamalala, the man with the greatest heart, the real son of the soil, the patron of the organisation, the trust and Matomrela Trust. Most importantly, we remember you as a member of the ANC in good standing.”
Zuma’s conduct as president is central to the ongoing State Capture inquiry and he faces 18 charges of corruption at this time. He remains a very popular figure across the country despite the charges.
Born in Nkandla on this day in 1942, Zuma served as the fourth President of South Africa from the 2009 general election until his resignation on 14 February 2018.
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