KwaZulu-Natal-born Jacob Zuma has been an active member of the ANC since the 1950s. He served as SA deputy president under Thabo Mbeki from 1999 until 2005 but was relieved of his duties after his financial advisor Schabir Shaik was found guilty of fraud and corruption. In December 2007 Zuma was elected ANC president at the controversial Polokwane conference and now looks set to become the country's new President. (AFP)
