Zuma sex reports 'un-African'

Feb 2, 2010 12:18 PM | By Sapa

Media reports on President Jacob Zuma's sex life showed disrespect toward the elderly, says the SA Students' Congress (Sasco).

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"We condemn the irresponsible reports on President Zuma's personal life by journalists who have no respect for the elderly," Sasco president Mbulelo Mandlana told reporters in Johannesburg.

"As students we view the public discussion of such aspects of old people's lives as embarrassing and un-African."

Mandlana was reacting to recent reports that Zuma had fathered a child with soccer boss Irvin Khoza's daughter, Sonono Khoza.

On Monday, ANC Youth League president Julius Malema said: "We are Africans and sitting here all of us, Zuma is our father so we are not qualified to talk about [the relationship]."

The ANC yesterday issued a statement defending Zuma's relationship with Sonono Khoza.

ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said: "President Zuma has gone on record sharing his belief in polygamy and has demonstrated his responsibilities and his responsiveness that comes with any of the relationships."

Mthembu insisted that the president's relationship with Sonono was not at odds with his commitment to combating the spread of HIV/Aids.

However, opposition parties and anti-HIV/Aids campaigners have criticised Zuma for fathering a love-child.

"President Jacob Zuma's behaviour directly contradicts the government's campaign against multiple sexual partners and the inherent Aids risk in having unprotected sex," said DA leader Helen Zille.

Cope president Mosiuoa Lekota described Zuma as a "very poor role model".