The Presidential Years

Politician and anti-apartheid activist. Joined the ANC in 1959 and its armed wing, MK, in 1962. Convicted of conspiring to overthrow the apartheid government in 1963 and sentenced to ten years in prison. On his release, he continued to work for the ANC and rose to the position of chief of intelligence. Became a member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee in 1977. Returned to South Africa in 1990 after the legalisation of the ANC. After the 1994 election, he served as provincial minister of economic affairs and tourism in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. Elected deputy president of the ANC in December 1997 and deputy president of South Africa in June 1999. On 14 June 2005, President Mbeki removed Zuma from his post as deputy president due to allegations of corruption and fraud. Sworn in as president of South Africa, May 2009.