Zuma celebrates 72nd birthday in Western Cape

President Jacob Zuma has turned 72 and he will be celebrating his birthday in the Western Cape on Saturday, the ANC said.

"President Zuma will spend his day with the people of the Western Cape on an ANC voter contact programme and later with his family," said spokesman Jackson Mthembu.

"The ANC sends birthday well wishes to... a loyal servant of our people and dedicated leader of our country."

The African National Congress said it would also celebrate by continuing with its election campaign.

"The ANC will mark this day by further intensifying contact with our people, telling the good story...and mobilising them to vote ANC on 7 May."

Mthembu said it was fitting that on Zuma's birthday, the party reflects on the significant strides by ANC government in the last five years during his tenure.

The party's wish for Zuma was that he carry on with his important work.

"...We hope that today will provide a moment of celebration of the road travelled thus far, serving as further impetus to carry on the good and important work of serving our people," said Mthembu.

The ANC Youth League wished Zuma a happy birthday, good health and a long life.

"We are happy that he has grown to see the South African democracy mature to the age of 20," spokesman Bandile Masuku said in a statement.

"As the youth, we have many lessons that we continue to draw from his involvement in the life of the ANC as he joined the struggle at the tender age of 17."

Masuku described Zuma as a man of peace, a man of the people and an inspirational negotiator who was of the architect of the country's democracy.