Ab-Titchaz
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- Jan 30, 2008
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South Africa President Jacob Zuma 'to marry third wife'
Thobeka Mabhija (2nd left) has already attended official events with her co-wives
South Africa's President Jacob Zuma is set to marry his third wife on Monday, according to reports.
Mr Zuma, a Zulu, was meant to marry his fiance Thobeka Mabhija, 36, earlier this year but the wedding was postponed due to Mr Zuma's political commitments.
He married his second wife, Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma, two years ago. He is also divorced from Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Polygamous marriages are common in the Zulu culture especially in rural areas.
When Mr Zuma, 66, was inaugurated as president in May, speculation was rife about who would be the first lady.
Mr Zuma has attended some high-profile events with all his wives, including Ms Mabhija.
Inkosi Bhekumuzi Zuma, leader of Mr Zuma's clan in his home area of Nkandla, and a relative of the president, said the wedding ceremony would take place on Monday 4 January, reports the Sapa news agency.
Mr Zuma paid ilobolo (dowry) to the Mabhija family two years ago.
Earlier this year, the Mabhija family sent gifts to the Zuma family, an indication that all matters regarding the wedding, including a date, had been set, reports say.
The wedding will be a "private affair" attended by "close friends, family and locals", according to reports in the Sowetan newspaper.
The BBC's attempts to get comment from the presidency have been futile.
This will be Mr Zuma's fifth wedding.
He has been married to Sizakele Khumalo since 1973.
Kate Mantsho-Zuma died in 2000.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8434865.stm