Zuma ‘regrets’ love-child fling

SOUTH Africa’s polygamist president apologised to the nation after being criticised for having an extramarital affair that resulted in a daughter born in October.

Analysts had argued the love child revelations would have little impact because South African voters overwhelmingly supported Jacob Zuma in last year’s election even though he was an unabashed polygamist who had admitted to having sex outside marriage. “The matter, though private, has been a subject of much public discussion and debate,” Zuma said. “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,... and South Africans in general.”

Three days earlier, Zuma confirmed a South African newspaper’s report of the affair, expressed no regrets and criticised the media and rivals for making a political issue out of what he insisted was a private matter.