I'm sorry - Jacob Zuma

President Jacob Zuma's statement on the impact of events of the past week, February 6 2010

I have over the past week taken time to consider and reflect on the issues relating to a relationship I had outside of wedlock.

The matter, though private, has been a subject of much public discussion and debate. It has put a lot of pressure on my family and my organisation, the African National Congress. I also acknowledge and understand the reaction of many South Africans.

I deeply regret the pain that I have caused to my family, the ANC, the Alliance and South Africans in general.

I reiterate that I took responsibility for my actions towards the family concerned and the child.

I reaffirm my commitment and that of my movement to the importance of the family as an institution. I also reaffirm my commitment and that of my movement to the values of personal responsibility, respect and dignity.

I recognise the responsibility of leaders to uphold and promote these values at all times.

Statement issued by the Presidency, Union Buildings, Pretoria, February 6 2010

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I'm sorry - Jacob Zuma Apologies should be welcomed, and treated with respect, when the offence is clearly acknowledged and the regret impresses as genuine. The President's "I'm sorry" seems well crafted to meet these ends, until one notices that, after his family, the regret . .more is for damage to "my organisation," "my movement." When will he place at the forefront the feelings of all the people whom he leads? . .less by A South African in general on February 07 2010, 11:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

dejavue .... We've heard this one before Mr Zuma. If you truly felt shame for your actions and behaviour you would do the honorable thing and resign. by Saffer on February 07 2010, 13:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

"I' m sorry-Jacob Zulu It is applaudable for a man Mr Zuma"s caliber to humble himself before the nation and say' "I'm sorry". Thank you Mr President. You have proved once again that you are a humble man. It must be understood that God uses humble men NOT perfect men.As God . .more used King David having slept with Uriah's wife and finally killed him. God forgave David and continue to use him because he humbled himself and repented from his sin. I would rather, go further and say humility and acknowledgement of sin CANNOT be a substitute of GENUINE repentance demonstrated by tangible ACTIONS. We shall continue to support you Mr President because you demonstrated intergrity and honesty. You never hide yourself behind cheap political rhetoric. You are a real man. The man who take responsibility for his commissions and ommissions. You showed the world that you are not a President because you are infallible or perfect but because you are available as a messenger that is willing to serve his country with humility. We shall continue to pray for you that God in Heaven shall empower you with His grace to finish your race strong.God Bless you!! . .less by magebalife on February 07 2010, 14:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

2 nd time around He is apoligising. For the same type of thing. Sorry, he must resign.he is a disgrace.No golden handshake. for him People are dying of AIDS.He never stood next to a bed of young blacks who are dying.Never have to listen . .more to there families cries and screams.Of disbelieve. Never had to watch an old aging father standing next to his only sons bed.an see the despair on there faces.The pleading in there eyes.Do something. No,Mnr Zuma you must go.Before more people follow your excample.And more people die. AIds kills.And it dont ask how old you are. . .less by alkie on February 07 2010, 16:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

a cynic responds "I prayed for a bike but was told that it didn't work like that ... so I stole one and then asked for forgiveness" PS - "my movement" ? ... is he referring a bowel action ? by Sad Days on February 07 2010, 19:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@D*******.. ..yes I know who you are. You always troll these blogs spewing incoherent s*** all over the place. Do you even have matric? Judging by your spelling I doubt it. Seems to me you're the dumb p*****. Get a life and whilst you're at it some education or . .more make use of your spellcheck! . .less by BnB on February 07 2010, 22:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

President Zuma must be impeached This man is a common denominator for so many pauses in the leadership of our country. Thabo Mbeke and he were preoccupied with conspiracy about each other until Zuma was fired. Zuma then worked hard with the underclass to get re-elected and kicked . .more Thabo out. Zuman then flew to Mauritius to try and get rid of evidence against him blah blah. All this time South Africa was left Leaderless. Now they argue or debate about tensions of the tripartite alliance or wate time on Malema being booed Again the core issues and crises of this country is left leaderless. Now the scandal of his sex life showing him up as a blatant liar and a cheat . Again he hogs all the energy leaving South Africa Leaderless. It is time to say goodbye to him and have the courage to show him in no uncertain terms that he is a disgrace to our nation and our country is bigger than this one man. Please President Zuma get off the stage. A school is as good as its principal and a country as good as its President. We have suffered under the Nats, Mbeki, and Zuma. How about, Tito Mbweni, Trevor Manual, Cyril Ramaphosa????? . .less by didi on February 07 2010, 23:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Impeached . . . Other presidents have been impeached for far less. . . .as a president, you life will always be in the public, there is no such thing as having a "private life." It is expected that you will always be there for the people and that you will always be . .more scrutinised in everything that you do. Your actions have to be acceptable to all South Africans, including our stakeholders. Clearly Mr President -- your actions are far from this. You will need to do the right thing -- resign with no pay. . .less by Ironman on February 08 2010, 05:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

We know you cann't afford yourself R taxpayers/the Shaiks going to look after your S***t again you barbarian? Throw this moron back into a highschool class maybe he can wake up though i doubt. Remember his girlfriend Dr Nkosazana qualified with Medicine in front of him while we was busy . .more with his "personal life" of chasing after women like a "dog in hit"? . .less by Mute Fool on February 08 2010, 06:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Mobile dispenser Most probably that is not such a great thing for someone, especially a State President to be seen as no more than a mobile sperm dispenser... by Injala Apera on February 08 2010, 08:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Follow-up The Times reported last week that the birth certificate stated that the parents were married under customary law. Zuma's own statement mentions "a relationship I had outside of wedlock." Is the certificate legitimate and if so, who lied about . .more marital status? Grounds for impeachment could be found there, if only our media and opposition could do the necessary follow-up. . .less by Jean Racine on February 08 2010, 08:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

One afrikaners view The media love to take Jacob Z down but at least something is happening now or at least the government is listening with Thabo they said chut-up or voertsek .J.Z is not head of a church what he have done is wrong but give the guy a break for all the . .more things that is improving in a recessional environment I think he is the best of the worst . .less by David on February 08 2010, 08:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Heard it all before Ja, Jacob, till next time... again and again and again. by C-Biscuit on February 08 2010, 08:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Failed African States If you are truly sorry, resign as president and show the country you are a real man. by Koos on February 08 2010, 08:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I do not believe a word he says, he is the sad example of black leadership. That this is the best person they can vote in as leader really sums up Africa. He is like a sex mad irresponsible teenager with no parents. If he had any guts or the blacks had any morals he would go this morning. by Disgusted on February 08 2010, 09:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Magebalife Well said ,it needed courage and honesty on the part of the president to accept responsibility for the child.It needed more courage and selflessness to ask for forgiveness from the nation.Worst things could have been done to push the story under the . .more carpet.Apartheid leaders had bigger scandals but due to their brutal suppression of the media nothing came out .Thanks to the Constitution for which many died and for which Zuma sacrificed his youth and joined the fighting masses under the leadership of the ANC. I hope the nation will find it in their hearts to considerforgiving uMsholozi and judge him on what he and the ANC willbe doing for the country.Nxamalala I also hope that you will now concentrate more on serving the people who are ,in strict sense ,your employers .Go back to your wives and relieve them of the stress you have caused them in the best possible way you can.I trust that you will be able to do that. . .less by ZAPATA on February 08 2010, 09:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Mr President aka Dirty Rotten Scoundrel by CJ on February 08 2010, 09:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

NO NO NO THEAFORE, THIS A PEPLE, DID NOT... AAA, BUT EH, THIS THING... EH HEH. NO NO NO THIS THING IS A.... BUT A. TO TO TO TO. BUT EH. NO NO NO. THIS MEESTA TONY LEON IS A STUPEED. WHAT E!! by MHLANGANYELWA on February 08 2010, 09:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Groot Krodil II Having tried the standard ANC knee-jerk of denial/cover-up, bluster and attacking the media, Humping Dumpty's spin doctors have recommended crocodile tears. by Loudly South African on February 08 2010, 09:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

what a joke! does this man think the entire electorate is stupid? He denied it first and only conceded on pressure. He has repeatedly had extra marital sex, despite having 3 or is it 4 wives, claiming its his cultural heritage. NOW HE APOLOGISES. ONLY BECAUSE HE . .more THINKS IT IS POLITICALLY ADVANTAGEOUS TO DO SO. What an absolute farce- the only movement he is committed to is his P****. 'He spent a week reflecting". While his country burns from AIDS and poverty. The nation would be so better served with your castration, physical and from government. Period. . .less by mkt voix draison on February 08 2010, 09:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Two-faced JZ does it again We thought he learnt his lesson with his rape trial - his statements were ones of apology and laearning from mistakes. But "showerhead" never learns it seems - he just says what people want to hear. He tells labour that the labour laws must be tightened . .more yet tells business the opposite. He obviously thinks with the wrong head - since he acts like a dog on heat otherwise. All he can do is procreate and what is said about people who mindlessly have large families ... . .less by Observer on February 08 2010, 10:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Kick this coon out He certainly can't govern but he can revert to his "animal instincts" readily. Send him back to being a herdboy - he actually never amounted to anything more! by Hmmm on February 08 2010, 10:52 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zuma's apolohy Not a word of apology or regret to the woman, and child, whom you have wronged! We cannot believe youtr statements, Mr. Zuma. Your own words condemn you for what you are - a man totally unfit to rule this country. You have brought disgrace upon yourself, . .more which is no less than you deserve. You have humiliated your wives, for whom we must feel compassion. You have brought disgrace upon your party and the people who voted you into power, but that is no less than they deserve. But what is unforgivable, is that you have tarnished the image of those of us who did not, and do not, want you and your party to bring further destruction upon this land, in the eyes of the rest of the world. Go, Mr. Zuma - we do not want you! . .less by Dr. Angelo Lambiris on February 08 2010, 11:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Most of the electorate is stupid @mkt thus he will get voted in again It appears clear that this amazing sex behaviour is accepted by most blacks. Certainly most males and many woman. Where are those that object? Nowhere really. A rape every 23 seconds in South Africa, unprotected extra marital sex with a girl about 30 . .more years younger than him and the predictable illegitimate child. So black. Sorry to say this but it seems clear that this is there way of operating given that their leader carries on regardless. And NO he does not look remotely at all sorry. He will do it again and again, I will bet on that. . .less by Ungovernable Africa on February 08 2010, 11:52 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

JZ I just love this guy... he is amazing! I want to be just like him one day... by Nklekho on February 08 2010, 12:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I'm sorry too, Mr President You'll just have to do what is required in a top meritocracy, and that is step down. by Norman Dhlamini on February 08 2010, 12:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Jacob "isoka' Zuma You must resign and hide your face in shame. You have disgraced yourself and all South Africans by MBB on February 08 2010, 13:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Hot Stuff When does this man get time to run the country. He is either getting married or on the job by Batman on February 08 2010, 13:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

So Black, So African, So Backward!!! JZ represent "Black behaviour" and that's why most blacks are dying of "uncontrollable Diarhorea" (HIV/AIDS). ARV's will ravage them until Jesus comes back. By the way ke le Ndaki broer waka (nee racist), just the cold facts! by Mute Fool on February 08 2010, 13:52 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Batman Actually, he's not running the country in any shape or form! What a thundering disgrace. He must be the most despicable creature I've ever had the misfortune to see on the 'box' - and for your info, I happen to be a non-ANC black man. by Wallops on February 08 2010, 14:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Maybe JZ needs to be neutered In general I don't particulary care what Jacob gets up to. What I dislike as a taxpayer is that I am now expected to pay for yet another spawn just because he can't keep it in his pants ! p.s. why no statement from anc womens league. Are they happy . .more with his behaviour ? . .less by simplesimon on February 08 2010, 14:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

zuma Screwing the country - one person at a time .We will have to vote him in again !!! So busy in bed , no wonder the country is falling apart F'ing idiot. by charles on February 08 2010, 15:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Mute Fool - well said to you, that is the typical behaviour of their leader so it must be typical b... I mean if they were serious about AIDS, unprotected sex, extra marital sex, as many wives as you like, as many kids as you like (even some black people would say, I hope, that 20 is just ridiculous and irrsponsible), illegitimate children in other words . .more morals then why did they elect this person. Why do they keep him? Well it is simple. That is the way they behave. It is just the handful of whites who object but never will you see blacks going against this behaviour by voting anti ANC. Never. That is the way I see it. Now get me my machine gun and some music and some girls and lets have a party. . .less by So Black on February 08 2010, 15:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

JZ Kids Who pays for all these children to go to school and be cloathed. JZ/the taxpayer/the ANC ? by Batman on February 08 2010, 16:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ZAPATA this is really funny Thanks for this one it is very good. How on Earth could anyone have voted old man Zuma, chief womaniser and procreator of the Zulus, into power. by Hahaha on February 08 2010, 16:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

"The child" Why does he refer to the newborn as "the child" and not "my daughter"? by Alice in Wonderland on February 08 2010, 16:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zuma is an idiot, period I felt like crawling under some rock when I heard about the sexcapades. by greg on February 08 2010, 16:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Culture I had a very interesting conversation with a black lady in the check-out queue at my local supermarket. She said that this goes against her culture, and that she doesn't even admit that she's South African when she travels abroad. I am so disappointed . .more that from Madiba we have regressed to this. Madiba had the ear of the world, Zuma is the morally bankrupt laughing stock. He should step down, whether he will have enough grace to do this remains to be seen. I too am ashamed to call myself a South African. . .less by M on February 08 2010, 17:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Get Real Again The upcoming vote of no confidence has a snowball's chance in hell of succeeding. That vote probably will adequately reflect South Africans feelings on the subject and will be an ANC victory over the matter. The opposition are just farting against the . .more wind with this as they can't come with anything constructive or which pertains specifically to government policy. If we were a country with nothing else to talk about this may make headway, but we are not. The DA should be Ashamed for playing the man and not the ball. It just belies the bankruptcy of thought in that organisation. Ditto cope. Anyway where is this nation that lives up to these high moral standards. . .less by Gavin on February 08 2010, 20:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Cont Are we to believe that the mostly liberal opposition and media has now found some religious virtue. LOL by Gavin on February 08 2010, 20:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Unity in Diversity South Africa's diversity obviously means diversity in ethics as well. The result is predictable and everyday experience: uncertainty about what is wrong or right. by Klaus in RSA on February 09 2010, 00:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Handsome is as Handsome DOES some comments from the office discussion in reaction to our sleazy Prez. Zuma does not live in the biblical age, he is living in the 21st century - The Democratic Age of AIDS. For mercy's sake he must set an example. His . .more bedside manner : "Trust me, I know what I am doing" Ooops, I slipped up - Sorry for the consequences! If JZ is ruled by his hormones and libido, is this how he leads the ANC and the country? He is not humble, generous or wise, just brazen, thoughtlessly self-indulgent and highly disrespectful of the women in his sphere of influence. At 67 what on earth is he taking or using to keep up his stamina? V***** or some ungodly muti? Do all his ANC friends and cadres offer their daughters? Do all his wives swear to love and protect each others' children? Why has he not had a vasectomy? - it would be a great example to his followers. Hy is n revolting old bok wat soek jong blare. . .less by SA cringing with embarassment on February 10 2010, 17:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zuma and his many children JZ does not become a lesser leader. Yes he is our leader. Do u want 2 tell me King Mswati is no leader coz he has 13 wives. If MaKhumalo agrees is none of anyones business. The very criticts have numerous women secretly. Five men brought a woman to my . .more Lord, Jesus said anyone who knows he is sinless, let him stone the woman. None did. Is is it better to have 15 hidden affairs. Hambani niyofa maan . .less by Lunigle hadebe on February 14 2010, 21:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zuma and his many children JZ does not become a lesser leader. Yes he is our leader. Do u want 2 tell me King Mswati is no leader coz he has 13 wives. If MaKhumalo agrees is none of anyones business. The very criticts have numerous women secretly. Five men brought a woman to my . .more Lord, Jesus said anyone who knows he is sinless, let him stone the woman. None did. Is is it better to have 15 hidden affairs. Hambani niyofa maan . .less by Lunigle hadebe on February 14 2010, 21:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

YOU SUCK YES YES, WE HAVE HEARD IT ALL BEFORE, SORRY SORRY, WELL IT AINT GOOD ENOUGH, IM SICK AND TIRED OF MR ZUMA AND HIS EMPTY PROMISES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHILE OUR COUNTRY IS OUR OF CONTROL HE IS ROAMING THE GLOBE HAVING A BALL WITH ALL THE TAX PAYERS MONEY . .more (PS YES OUR MONEY) NOT GIVING A DAMN ABOUT WHAT HAPPENDS TO US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY DONT YOU DO WHAT YOU PROMISED US IN THE ELECTIONS OR WAS THAT JUST A STUNT TO GET TO BE PRESIDENT AND GET PAID! SORRY TO TELL YOU IT DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY.!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE SINGLE HANDEDLY RUINING YOUR OWN COUNTRY AND WE HOPE THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF THAT! WE WILL BE THE NEXT ZIMBABWE AS THAT IS WHERE YOU ARE STEERING US TO, SINCE HALF OF ZIMBABWE IS IN OUR COUNTRY ANYWAY TAKING OUR JOBS! I LOVE THIS COUNTRY WAS BORN AND RAISED HERE LIKE MILIONS OF OTHERS AND IF WE WHERE TO LOOSE OUR COUNTRY IT WOULD BE ALL THANKS TO YOU! HOPE YOU ENJOY SPENDING OUR HARD EARNED MONEY WHILE WE ARE DAILY BEING KILLED, ATTACKED AND OUR FUTURE'S BEING DEMOLISHED! . .less by Sick and tired of no rules on August 25 2010, 12:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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