By Celani Sikhakhane
The Women’s Command of the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party in KwaZulu-Natal plans to honour Sizakele maKhumalo-Zuma, former president Jacob Zuma’s first wife, for supporting him during his difficult political life.
MaKhumalo was South Africa’s first lady for nine years.
Mavis MaShandu, the leader of the KZN MK Women’s Command, told Scrolla.Africa MaKhumalo had been through a lot because of her husband’s political career.
“MaKhumalo has been a strong supporter of ubaba, Jacob Zuma. She kept the home together while Zuma was in exile and never stopped supporting him, even when he started the Umkhonto Wesizwe party.
“She has been an example for many women in South Africa by staying out of trouble, keeping her morals high, and being the first lady. She deserves to be honoured,” said MaShandu.
The ceremony will take place on 31 August at Zuma’s home in Nkandla.
MaShandu said that during Zuma’s presidency, MaKhumalo chose to live a simple life, stay close to rural women, and continue her farming activities.
She refused government requests to change her lifestyle as first lady and remained close to her neighbours and church community.
MaKhumalo married Zuma in 1973, and although they had no children, she stayed loyal to him through his years in exile in Swaziland, Mozambique, and Zambia, only reuniting after the ANC was unbanned in 1990.
Usually shy and reserved, MaKhumalo spoke about her difficulties as a Zulu woman in rural Nkandla during Zuma’s exile, especially during her 73rd birthday in 2013.
She shared how some people doubted Zuma’s return, but she stayed strong and waited for him.
Pictured above: Former president Jacob Zuma with his wife of over 45 years, Sizakele maKhumalo-Zuma.
Source: X
