South African president acknowledges fathering love child, defends stance against AIDS
By APWednesday, February 3, 2010
South African president acknowledges love child
JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s president has confirmed media reports that he recently fathered a child with a woman who is not one of his three wives or his fiancee.
President Jacob Zuma’s office released a statement Wednesday in which he acknowledged having a relationship and a daughter with the woman.
Zuma, an unabashed polygamist, has previously acknowledged having 19 other children.
The 67-year-old president also deflected criticism that his actions send the wrong message in a country where one-tenth of the population is living with the virus that causes AIDS.
In the statement, Zuma said it was “mischievous” to argue he had undermined the government’s stance on HIV/AIDS and appealed for his family’s privacy.
