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text, additional text.↑ Link text== Rise to the presidency == [[File:The Vice President Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat meeting the Deputy President of South Africa Mr. Jacob Zuma in Johannesburg on April 28, 2004.jpg|thumb|Zuma with the Indian Vice President [[Bhairon Singh Shekhawat]] in [[Johannesburg]], 2004]] ===Deputy presidency=== Zuma was elected deputy president of the ANC at the party's [[50th National Conference of the African National Congress|50th National Conference]] in [[Mafikeng]] in December 1997, and was subsequently appointed deputy president of South Africa in June 1999, pursuant to the [[1999 South African general election|1999 general election]].<ref name="sahistory" /> Zuma served under newly elected President Mbeki and was the chief mediator in the [[Burundi]] peace process,<ref>{{cite news|date=27 July 2004|title=Tutsis boycott Burundi talks|work=BBC|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3929519.stm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930103242/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3929519.stm|archive-date=30 September 2009}}</ref> in which he worked with Ugandan president [[Yoweri Museveni]], who chaired the Great Lakes Regional Initiative, a grouping of regional presidents overseeing the peace process in Burundi.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2004-10-11|title=Burundi peace process back in the spotlight|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/burundi-peace-process-back-in-the-spotlight-223811|access-date=2021-12-24|website=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|IOL]]}}</ref> [[File:Bulelani Ngcuka.png|thumb|174x174px|Under [[Bulelani Ngcuka]], the NPA opened its investigation into Zuma.|left]] In late 2002, the [[National Prosecuting Authority]] (NPA) announced that Zuma was one of several ANC politicians under investigation by the [[Scorpions (South Africa)|Scorpions]] for corruption related to the R30-billion [[South African Arms Deal|Arms Deal]], a major defence procurement package which the government had signed months after Zuma's appointment to the deputy presidency.<ref name="Bruce-2008">{{Cite journal|last=Bruce|first=David|date=2008|title=Without fear or favour: The Scorpions and the politics of justice|url=https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sacq/article/view/951/820|journal=SA Crime Quarterly|volume=24}}</ref> In August 2003, however, National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) [[Bulelani Ngcuka]] told the media that the NPA had a "prima facie case of corruption" against Zuma but had decided not to prosecute on the basis that the case was unlikely to be won.<ref name="Bruce-2008" /> A highly public spat ensued between Zuma allies and Ngcuka, who was accused by [[Moe Shaik]] and [[Mac Maharaj]] of having been an apartheid spy, an accusation later dismissed by the specially appointed Hefer Commission.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carroll|first=Rory|date=2004-01-21|title=Apartheid spy smear rebounds|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/jan/21/southafrica.rorycarroll|access-date=2021-12-03|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Zuma laid a misconduct complaint against Ngcuka with the [[Public Protector]], [[Lawrence Mushwana]], who in May 2004 found that Ngcuka's statement to the media had been "unfair and improper".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2004-05-30|title=Public protector a 'liar' and 'sad case'|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2004-05-30-public-protector-a-liar-and-sad-case/|access-date=2021-12-03|website=[[Mail & Guardian]] |language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2004-06-01|title=Ngcuka-Mushwana 'war' rages on|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/ngcuka-mushwana-war-rages-on-20040601|access-date=2021-12-03|website=News24|language=en-US}}</ref> Mbeki and Zuma were both re-elected in the [[2004 South African general election|2004 general election]], but on 14 June 2005, Mbeki removed Zuma from his post as deputy president following [[Schabir Shaik trial|the conviction]] of Zuma's associate, [[Schabir Shaik]], for making underhanded payments to Zuma in relation to the Arms Deal.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Vasagar|first=Jeevan|date=2005-06-14|title=Mbeki fires deputy in corruption scandal|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/jun/15/southafrica.jeevanvasagar|access-date=2021-12-24|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Mbeki told a joint sitting of [[Parliament of South Africa|Parliament]] that "in the interest of the honourable Deputy President, the government, our young democratic system and our country, it would be best to release the honourable Jacob Zuma from his responsibilities".<ref name="sacked">{{cite web|date=14 June 2005|title=Deputy president sacked|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2005-06-14-deputy-president-sacked|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215143844/https://mg.co.za/article/2005-06-14-deputy-president-sacked|archive-date=15 February 2018|work=[[Mail & Guardian]]}}</ref> Zuma also resigned as a member of Parliament.<ref name="sacked" /> His successor as deputy president of South Africa was [[Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka]], Ngcuka's wife. Mlambo-Ngcuka had been minister of minerals and energy since 1999. Her appointment was booed publicly atANC rallies by Zuma supporters, including at a [[National Women's Day|Women's Day]] event in [[Utrecht, KwaZulu-Natal|Utrecht]], KwaZulu-Natal.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mofokeng|first=Moffett|date=19 August 2005|title=How a lone cameraman 'dented' SABC's credibility|url=http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=248529&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050912184428/http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=248529&area=%2Fbreaking_news%2Fbreaking_news__national%2F|archive-date=12 September 2005|access-date=20 December 2007|website=[[Mail & Guardian]]}}</ref> === First corruption indictment === {{Further|Jacob Zuma corruption charges#2005–2006: First indictment|label1=Jacob Zuma corruption charges First indictment}} Soon after Zuma's dismissal, the NPA announced its intention to instate formal corruption charges against him.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2005-06-22|title=Mbeki appoints woman as new deputy president|url=https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2005/06/22/mbeki-appoints-woman-new-deputy-president|access-date=2021-12-24|website=The New Humanitarian|language=en}}</ref> He was served with a provisional [[indictment]] on fraud and corruption charges in November 2005, mirroring the indictment earlier served on Shaik.<ref name="longpath22">{{cite web|last=Oellermann|first=Ingrid|date=4 August 2008|title=Zuma's long path to court|url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Zumas-long-path-to-court-20080804|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217201122/https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Zumas-long-path-to-court-20080804|archive-date=17 February 2018|website=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|IOL]]}}</ref> However, the NPA was unprepared to serve the final indictment and filed an application for postponement. On 20 September 2006, the [[Pietermaritzburg High Court]] dismissed the application, and when the NPA indicated that it was not prepared to proceed with the trial, the matter was stricken off.<ref name="SABC2006-09-20222">{{cite web|date=20 September 2006|title=Zuma corruption trial struck off the roll|url=http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/crime1justice/0,2172,135153,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026083725/http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/crime1justice/0%2C2172%2C135153%2C00.html|archive-date=26 October 2006|access-date=20 September 2006|website=SABC News}}</ref> === Rape trial === {{Main|Jacob Zuma rape trial}}In December 2005, Zuma was charged with raping a 31-year-old woman, known to the public by the pseudonym Khwezi.<ref name="Pather-2016">{{Cite web|last=Pather|first=Raeesa|date=2016-08-10|title=The kanga, womanhood and how Zuma's 2006 rape trial changed the meaning of the fabric|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2016-08-10-the-khanga-womanhood-and-how-zumas-2006-rape-trial-changed-its-meaning/|access-date=2022-01-11|website=[[Mail & Guardian]] |language=en-ZA}}</ref> The incident allegedly occurred on 2 November 2005 at Zuma's home in [[Forest Town, Gauteng|Forest Town, Johannesburg]].<ref name="Mail & Guardian-2006">{{Cite web|date=2006-03-21|title=Timeline of the Jacob Zuma rape trial|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2006-03-21-timeline-of-the-jacob-zuma-rape-trial/|access-date=2022-01-11|website=[[Mail & Guardian]] |language=en-ZA}}</ref> When the trial began on 6 March 2006, Zuma pleaded not guilty, claiming that he and Khwezi had [[Consensual sex|consensual]] sex.<ref name="Mail & Guardian-2006"/> He was acquitted on 8 May 2006 following a highly publicised trial.<ref name="Humphreys-2006">{{Cite news |last=Humphreys |first=Joe |date=2006-05-09 |title=Dramatic scenes as Zuma is cleared of rape |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/dramatic-scenes-as-zuma-is-cleared-of-rape-1.1000443 |access-date=2022-01-11 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref> Zuma's admission was controversial, as he stated that he had not used a condom while having sex with Khwezi, despite knowing she was [[HIV-positive]] and having been, as deputy president, the head of the National AIDS Council and Moral Regeneration Campaign. He told the court that he had taken a shower after the act, claiming that doing so reduced the risk of [[HIV transmission]].<ref name="SA's Zuma showered to avoid HIV">{{cite news|date=5 April 2006|title=SA's Zuma showered to avoid HIV|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4879822.stm|url-status=live|access-date=20 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225220255/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4879822.stm|archive-date=25 December 2007}}</ref> The South African comic strip ''[[Madam & Eve]],'' and political cartoonist [[Zapiro]], repeatedly lampooned Zuma for his testimony, and Zuma now always appears under a showerhead in Zapiro cartoons.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Grootes|first=Stephen|date=2011-07-22|title=SA's most famous showerhead sparks more debate|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2011-07-22-the-sas-most-famous-showerhead-sparks-more-debate/|access-date=2022-01-11|website=Daily Maverick|language=en}}</ref> === Continued popularity === Although Zuma had been fired as national deputy president, he retained the ANC deputy presidency, and internal factions began to coalesce around him and Mbeki. Between 2005 and 2007, their rivalry deepened into what Susan Booysen called "a brutal and all-consuming disagreement between two major ANC groupings".<ref name="Booysen-2011">{{Citation|last=Booysen|first=Susan|title=Aluta continua, from Polokwane to Mangaung|date=2011|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.18772/12011115423.5|work=The African National Congress and the Regeneration of Political Power|pages=33–84|publisher=Wits University Press|isbn=978-1-86814-542-3|jstor=10.18772/12011115423.5|access-date=2021-12-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Gevisser|first=Mark|date=2007-12-12|title=South Africa Grows Up|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/12/opinion/12gevisser.html|access-date=2021-12-09|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Gevisser-2007">{{Cite book|last=Gevisser|first=Mark|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pMJ6AAAAMAAJ|title=Thabo Mbeki: The Dream Deferred|date=2007|publisher=Jonathan Ball|isbn=978-1-86842-301-9|language=en|chapter=Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, and the Future of the South African Dream}}</ref> Although the corruption and rape allegations were considered politically damaging,<ref name="SA's Zuma showered to avoid HIV"/><ref name="The Guardian-2006">{{Cite web|date=2006-05-08|title=Jacob Zuma cleared of rape|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/may/08/aids.southafrica|access-date=2022-01-11|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Zuma continued to enjoy considerable support from [[Left-wing politics|left-wing]] elements of the ANC, especially the [[African National Congress Youth League|ANC Youth League]] under [[Fikile Mbalula]], and from the ANC's partners in the [[Tripartite Alliance]], the SACP, and the [[Congress of South African Trade Unions]] (COSATU).<ref>{{cite news|last=Simao|first=Paul|date=28 July 2006|title=Left rallies to support embattled Zuma|work=[[Mail & Guardian]]|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2006-07-28-left-rallies-to-support-embattled-zuma|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908103535/http://mg.co.za/article/2006-07-28-left-rallies-to-support-embattled-zuma|archive-date=8 September 2011}}</ref> [[Blade Nzimande]] of the SACP and [[Zwelinzima Vavi]] of COSATU were among Zuma's chief organisers and most vocal supporters (though both recanted their support years later).<ref name="Du Toit-2017">{{Cite web|last=Du Toit|first=Pieter|date=2017-12-11|title=The Polokwane Decade Is Over: 'Comrades, Comrades: Sit Down!'|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2017/12/10/the-polokwane-decade-is-over-comrades-comrades-sit-down_a_23302829/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=HuffPost UK|language=en}}</ref> Vavi and Youth League leader [[Julius Malema]] later said that they were prepared to "kill for Zuma".<ref name="dmc3">{{cite web|last=Wills|first=Zapiro with Mike|date=14 August 2018|title=The back story to the most controversial cartoon in SA history|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-08-14-the-back-story-to-the-most-controversial-cartoon-in-sa-history/|access-date=17 August 2018|website=[[Daily Maverick]]|language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-06-21|title=We're prepared to kill for Zuma: Vavi|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/were-prepared-to-kill-for-zuma-vavi-405292|access-date=2022-01-11|website=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|IOL]]|language=en}}</ref> Nzimande and his SACP comrade [[Gwede Mantashe]] warned that the corruption trial would endanger public stability if it went ahead,<ref name="dmc3" /> although there were reports that support for Zuma had caused a rift within the SACP.<ref>{{cite web|date=20 December 2007|title=The trouble with JZ|url=http://www.mg.co.za/articledirect.aspx?articleid=257884&area=%2finsight%2finsight__comment_and_analysis%2f|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621152427/http://www.mg.co.za/articledirect.aspx?articleid=257884&area=%2Finsight%2Finsight__comment_and_analysis%2F|archive-date=21 June 2007|access-date=20 December 2007|website=[[Mail & Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tabane|first=Rapule|date=21 April 2006|title=SACP divided on Zuma|url=http://mg.co.za/article/2006-04-21-sacp-divided-on-zuma|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205183536/http://mg.co.za/article/2006-04-21-sacp-divided-on-zuma|archive-date=5 February 2015|access-date=5 February 2015|website=[[Mail & Guardian]]}}</ref> While Zuma's political strength was at least partly based on his relationships within intra-party politics and Mbeki's lack of popularity with the left wing, he also had a large Zulu support base,<ref name="Gevisser-2007"/> and one analyst argued that his supporters' loyalty was partially rooted in a traditionalist Zulu loyalty.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 November 2005|title=Riding on Zulu empathy|url=http://www.mg.co.za/articledirect.aspx?articleid=256829&area=%2finsight%2finsight__national%2f|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930201335/http://www.mg.co.za/articledirect.aspx?articleid=256829&area=%2Finsight%2Finsight__national%2F|archive-date=30 September 2007|access-date=20 December 2007|website=[[Mail & Guardian]]}}</ref> [[File:Zuma-court-crowd.jpg|thumb|316x316px|A crowd of supporters and curious onlookers outside the [[Johannesburg High Court]] during the rape trial|left]] Zuma's supporters publicly expressed the view that his dismissal and prosecution were the result of a political conspiracy by Mbeki, who they said had sought to oust Zuma to entrench their dominance in the ANC.<ref name="Booysen-2011"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Pearce|first=Justin|date=10 October 2005|title=Analysis: SA's Zuma in the dock|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4328360.stm|url-status=live|access-date=20 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061222142221/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4328360.stm|archive-date=22 December 2006}}</ref> Zuma's court appearances on the corruption charges drew large crowds of supporters (on one estimate, up to 10,000 at a time),<ref name="Robinson-2006">{{cite web|last1=Robinson|first1=Vicki|last2=Table|first2=Rapule|last3=Haffajee|first3=Ferial|date=28 April 2006|title=23 days that shook our world|url=http://mg.co.za/article/2006-04-28-23-days-that-shook-our-world|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126131956/http://mg.co.za/article/2006-04-28-23-days-that-shook-our-world|archive-date=26 November 2016|access-date=26 November 2016|website=[[Mail & Guardian]]}}</ref> who, on one occasion, burned T-shirts with Mbeki's picture on them, which the ANC leadership condemned.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2005-10-12|title=Mbeki T-shirt burning riles ANC|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/mbeki-t-shirt-burning-riles-anc-20051012|access-date=2022-01-11|website=News24|language=en-US}}</ref> Zuma became known for singing the apartheid-era struggle song "''[[Umshini wami]]''" (English: ''Bring Me My Machine Gun'') with his supporters during these informal rallies.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-05-14|title=Will Zuma's 'Letha umshini wami' (Bring my Machine gun) song win him second term?|url=https://www.news24.com/News24/Will-Zumas-Letha-umshini-wami-Bring-my-Machine-gun-song-win-him-second-term-20120514|access-date=2022-01-11|website=News24|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Gunner|first=Liz|date=2009|title=Jacob Zuma, the Social Body and the Unruly Power of Song|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27667093|journal=African Affairs|volume=108|issue=430|pages=27–48|doi=10.1093/afraf/adn064|jstor=27667093|issn=0001-9909}}</ref> Likewise, during the rape trial, Zuma supporters gathered outside the courthouse and sometimes clashed with smaller groups of anti-rape protesters.<ref name="Humphreys-2006"/><ref>{{cite news|date=13 February 2006|title=Zuma rape case judge stands down|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4707464.stm|url-status=live|access-date=20 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112021906/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4707464.stm|archive-date=12 January 2009}}</ref><ref name="The Guardian-2006"/> Zuma supporters were seen carrying posters questioning Khwezi's integrity, burning photos of her, and on one occasion throwing stones at a woman that they mistook for her.<ref name="Mail & Guardian-2006"/><ref>{{cite web|date=14 February 2006|title=Accuser insulted as Zuma hailed at court|url=http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20060214102144364C522654|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060225010841/http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20060214102144364C522654|archive-date=25 February 2006|access-date=20 December 2007|work=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]]}}</ref> By October 2008, Zuma had been acquitted of rape<ref name="Humphreys-2006"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Meldrum|first=Andrew|date=9 May 2006|title=Acquitted Zuma ready to fight for presidency|work=The Guardian|location=London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/southafrica/story/0,,1770514,00.html|access-date=5 May 2010}}</ref> and was no longer subject to corruption charges. However, this did little to lighten the rivalry between Mbeki and Zuma. A ''[[Mail & Guardian]]'' analysis stated:<blockquote>The political damage [of events of recent months] is incalculable, with the ruling African National Congress now an openly divided and faltering movement. This has had a [[domino effect]] on the South African Communist Party and the Congress of South African Trade Unions, which have floundered and fractured in the face of damaging charges against a man they ardently backed as the country's next president. The trial has been fought against the backdrop of a bitter succession war between Mbeki and Zuma. Both have been fatally wounded. Mbeki's support in the ANC has crumbled... But even Zuma's most diehard supporters privately acknowledge that he cannot now be president...<ref name="Robinson-2006" /></blockquote> === Defamation lawsuits === By early 2006 during the rape trial, Zuma and his supporters complained of a concerted media plot to discredit him and harm his political career.<ref name="IOL-2006">{{Cite web|date=2006-03-27|title=Zuma team to ask for discharge|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/zuma-team-to-ask-for-discharge-270865|access-date=2022-01-11|website=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|IOL]]|language=en}}</ref> In March, he appointed a legal team, including former [[Conservative Party (South Africa)|Conservative Party]] politician Jurg Prinsloo and advocate Wycliffe Mothuloe, to fight his "crucifixion by the media".<ref name="Mail & Guardian-2006"/><ref name="IOL-2006"/> Among his targets was the ''Sowetan,'' whom he told that the media, at the instruction of Ngcuka of the NPA and former Justice Minister [[Penuell Maduna]], was trying to "crucify" him. The newspaper had printed the interview under the headline "I'm like Christ – Zuma".<ref name="IOL-2006"/> In June and July 2006, Zuma filed a series of [[defamation]] lawsuits against various South African media outlets for publishing content that allegedly besmirched his public profile in the form of cartoons, commentary, photos and parody pieces. The defendants included the ''[[The Star (South Africa)|Star]]'' (sued for R20 million), [[Rapport (newspaper)|''Rapport'']] (R10 million), [[94.7 Highveld Stereo|Highveld Stereo]] (R7 million), the ''[[Sunday Times (South Africa)|Sunday Times]]'' (R6 million), the ''[[The Citizen (South Africa)|Citizen]]'' (R5 million), the ''Sunday Sun'' (R5 million), the ''[[Sunday Independent (South Africa)|Sunday Independent]]'' (R5 million), and the ''Sunday World'' (R5 million).<ref>{{cite news|date=4 July 2006|title=Zuma defamation claim 'largest in SA history'|work=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]]|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/zuma-defamation-claim-largest-in-sa-history-284142|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217201122/https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/zuma-defamation-claim-largest-in-sa-history-284142|archive-date=17 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2006-07-04|title=Zuma defamation claim 'largest in SA history'|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/zuma-defamation-claim-largest-in-sa-history-284142|access-date=2022-01-11|website=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|IOL]]|language=en}}</ref> Zuma said in 2005:<blockquote>For a period of five years my person has been subjected to all types of allegations and innuendo, paraded through the media and other corridors of influence without these allegations {{sic|having being}} tested. I have thereby been denied my constitutional right to reply and defend myself.<ref>{{cite web|date=29 June 2005|title=Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust|url=http://www.friendsofjz.co.za/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210203520/http://www.friendsofjz.co.za/|archive-date=10 February 2010|access-date=15 September 2010}}</ref></blockquote>In December 2008, Zuma sued Zapiro for R7 million over his controversial [[Rape of Lady Justice cartoon controversy|rape of Lady Justice]] cartoon,<ref name="dmc3" /> bringing the total value of the defamation lawsuits to at least R70 million, an unprecedented figure in South African law.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Janet|date=2008-12-19|title=Zuma exacts defamation action on media|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/zuma-exacts-defamation-action-on-media-429327|access-date=2022-01-11|website=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|IOL]]|language=en}}</ref> Many of the suits were withdrawn or settled out of court. ''Rapport'' settled for R50,000 over a defamatory reader's letter, and the British ''[[The Guardian|Guardian]]'' newspaper also paid Zuma substantial damages over defamatory statements.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Louw|first=Raymond|date=2012-11-12|title=Was Zuma's cartoon case an attempt to intimidate media?|url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/2012-11-12-was-zumas-cartoon-case-an-attempt-to-intimidate-media/|access-date=2022-01-11|website=Business Day|language=en-ZA}}</ref> ===Election as ANC president=== {{Further|52nd National Conference of the African National Congress}} As per party tradition, Zuma was in line to succeed Mbeki as head of the party. However, by April 2007<ref name="Gevisser-2007"/><ref>Gevisser, Mark (2007). "Home". ''Thabo Mbeki: The Dream Deferred''. Jonathan Ball. {{ISBN|978-1-86842-301-9}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Monare|first=Moshoeshoe|date=2006-06-01|title=Pipe or machinegun for ANC presidency?|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/pipe-or-machinegun-for-anc-presidency-279991|access-date=2022-01-11|website=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|IOL]]|language=en}}</ref> it was clear that Mbeki intended to run for a third term as ANC president. Even though he was prohibited by the [[Constitution of South Africa|Constitution]] from standing again for the national presidency, the ANC lacks internal term limits. Zuma gained the support of five of the nine provincial ANC branches when they nominated candidates at their provincial congresses in late 2007.<ref name="Du Toit-2017"/><ref>{{cite news|date=November 26, 2007|title=ANC rank-and-file vote for change|work=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]]|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/anc-rank-and-file-vote-for-change-380207|url-status=live|access-date=9 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005190313/http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?art_id=vn20071126042958726C564967|archive-date=5 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=November 26, 2007|title=Zuma finds favour among his ANC comrades|work=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]]|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/zuma-finds-favour-among-his-anc-comrades-380161|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005190308/http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?art_id=nw20071125231051953C472153|archive-date=5 October 2008}}</ref> He became the favourite to win the presidency and became the ANC's presidential candidate in the [[2009 South African general election|2009 elections]]. While the ANC was extremely likely to win regardless of its candidate, there were reports that Zuma's support base and left-wing alliances unnerved international and domestic investors.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Russell|first=Alec|date=2007-11-30|title=Jacob Zuma|work=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/dc0fcb32-9f5c-11dc-8031-0000779fd2ac|access-date=2022-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=1 June 2006|title=Pipe or machinegun for ANC presidency?|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/pipe-or-machinegun-for-anc-presidency-279991|access-date=13 December 2019|work=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]]}}</ref><ref name="mcgreal2">{{cite news|last=McGreal|first=Chris|date=15 December 2007|title=South Africa in turmoil as Mbeki heads for defeat|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/international/story/0,,2227953,00.html}}</ref> On 18 December 2007, at the ANC's [[52nd National Conference of the African National Congress|52nd National Conference]] in [[Polokwane|Polokwane, Limpopo]], Zuma was elected ANC president, beating Mbeki with 2,329 votes to 1,505.<ref>{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Juanita|date=18 December 2007|title=Fireworks greet new ANC president|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/fireworks-greet-new-anc-president-383189|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213111721/https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/fireworks-greet-new-anc-president-383189|archive-date=13 February 2018|work=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]]}}</ref>[[File:Jacob Zuma in 2008.jpg|thumb|213x213px|Zuma in June 2008]] === Second corruption indictment === {{Further|Jacob Zuma corruption charges#2007–2009: Second indictment|label1=Jacob Zuma corruption charges § Second indictment}} Just over a week after the Polokwane conference, the NPA reinstated charges against Zuma and served him an indictment to stand trial on 12 fraud charges, two corruption charges, and one charge each of [[racketeering]] and [[money laundering]].<ref>{{cite news|date=28 December 2007|title=New charges for S Africa's Zuma|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7163332.stm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071231062529/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7163332.stm|archive-date=31 December 2007}}</ref><ref name="iol.co.za">{{Cite web|date=2008-09-12|title='Zuma application shouldn't be taken lightly'|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/zuma-application-shouldnt-be-taken-lightly-416250|access-date=2022-01-11|website=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|IOL]]|language=en}}</ref> According to the Constitution, he would have been rendered ineligible for the national presidency had he been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment. However, on 12 September 2008, the charges were declared unlawful on a technicality. The presiding judge also expressed a belief that the charges had been the result of a political conspiracy against Zuma.<ref name="dismiss22">{{cite news|last=Zigomo|first=Muchena|date=11 September 2008|title=South African judge throws out Zuma graft case|newspaper=[[Reuters]]|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-safrica-zuma-idUSLC54653420080912|url-status=live|access-date=27 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129050546/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/international/africa/2008/09/13/174479/S.-African.htm|archive-date=29 November 2014}}</ref> Although this judgement was later overturned by the appellate court, the Zuma-aligned ANC [[National Executive Committee of the African National Congress|National Executive]], as elected at the Polokwane conference, immediately "recalled" Mbeki, asking him to resign as national president.<ref name="ioltimeline22">{{cite web|date=15 February 2018|title=A timeline of Jacob Zuma's presidency|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/a-timeline-of-jacob-zumas-presidency-13192711|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213193627/https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/a-timeline-of-jacob-zumas-presidency-13192711|archive-date=13 February 2018|work=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]]}}</ref> Mbeki, seeking to avoid a protracted dispute, did so, and was replaced by newly elected ANC Deputy President [[Kgalema Motlanthe]], who led an interim administration while Zuma campaigned for the 2009 election.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2008-09-25|title=Motlanthe: South Africa's safe hands|language=en-GB|work=BBC|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7629239.stm|access-date=2021-12-09}}</ref> In January 2009, the [[Supreme Court of Appeal (South Africa)|Supreme Court of Appeal]] found that the charges against Zuma were not unlawful, contrary to the ruling of the lower court. However, the NPA formally withdrew the charges in the same week that Zuma was inaugurated as national president,<ref name="ioltimeline22"/> citing apparent evidence of prosecutorial misconduct in the so-called [[National Prosecuting Authority#"Spy tapes" allegations|spy tapes]].<ref name="Mail & Guardian">{{cite news|date=6 April 2009|title=Mpshe reveals contents of Ngcuka, McCarthy tapes|work=[[Mail & Guardian]]|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2009-04-06-mpshe-reveals-contents-of-ngcuka-mccarthy-tapes|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924173923/http://mg.co.za/article/2009-04-06-mpshe-reveals-contents-of-ngcuka-mccarthy-tapes|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> === Release of Shaik on parole === In March 2009, Shaik was controversially released from prison on [[Compassionate release|medical parole]], just over two years into his 15-year sentence. Earlier the same week, Zuma had said publicly that as national president he would pardon Shaik on medical grounds, and denied having played any role in Shaik's release.<ref name="Bearak-2009">{{cite news |last=Bearak |first=Barry |date=10 March 2009 |title=Waiting to Helm South Africa: President or Convict? Or Both? |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/world/africa/11safrica.html |url-status=live |access-date=18 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511092953/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/world/africa/11safrica.html |archive-date=11 May 2011}}</ref> Shaik had applied for a presidential pardon in April 2008 when Mbeki was president, and he continued to lobby for a pardon during Zuma's presidency, saying it was unfair that he had been convicted while neither Zuma nor the implicated arms company had been taken to trial.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brkic|first=Branko|date=2009-10-19|title=Zuma's past comes back to haunt him as Shaik begs pardon|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2009-10-19-Zumas-past-comes-back-to-haunt-him/|access-date=2022-01-13|website=Daily Maverick|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Rademeyer|first=Julian|date=2009-12-21|title=Angry Shaik demands his pardon|url=https://www.news24.com/witness/archive/angry-shaik-demands-his-pardon-20150430|access-date=2022-01-13|website=Witness|language=en-US}}</ref> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. 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