South African President Jacob Zuma is set to marry his fifth wife in a traditional ceremony at his rural village in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the presidency said in a statement Sunday. "The traditional wedding of President Jacob Zuma and Tobeka Madiba tomorrow, 4 January, is a private family ceremony," said the statement.
The Sunday Times and Independent newspapers reported that Zuma's homestead in Nkandla was a hive of activity this week as he prepared to tie the knot with Madiba on Monday.
Madiba, 37, who has two children with 66-year-old Zuma, has attended official functions as one of the country's first ladies and has been quoted in the media as Thobeka Madiba-Zuma.
Polygamy is legally recognised in South Africa. According to a biography on Zuma, prepared by his party, the African National Congress, the president has three wives including Madiba but details on their marriage remained vague.
Meanwhile, Zuma is also reportedly preparing to take on a sixth wife. When Zuma was inaugurated as head of state in May, speculation was rife about who would be the first lady.