IN PICS | Capturing the 'rise and fall' of Jacob Zuma

Sunday Times photographers capture a president who became a criminal

04 July 2021 - 00:00 By Sunday Times Photographers

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A rare light moment at the Zondo commission last year. Zuma’s appearance was brief and his departure abrupt, leading to his conviction for contempt of court.

Waiting for tea-time A rare light moment at the Zondo commission last year. Zuma’s appearance was brief and his departure abrupt, leading to his conviction for contempt of court.
Image: Alon Skuy

Jacob Zuma always had an eye on power — and also kept one open for photographers. They seldom caught him without a smile — except when he was in trouble before a judge.

Here is the Zuma collection of images taken by Sunday Times photographers of a president who became a criminal.

When he was still in charge President Jacob Zuma addresses a Freedom Day crowd in 2015.
Image: Alon Skuy

The beginning of the end Zuma at the ANC conference in 2017, where he lost power.
Image: Masi Losi

Back to his tribal roots Zuma shows off Zulu dance moves at one of his weddings at Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal.
Image: Simphiwe Nkwali

Zuma at the ANC’s national conference of 2017 with Cyril Ramaphosa, who would succeed him as party president, then as state president the following year.

The party is over Zuma at the ANC’s national conference of 2017 with Cyril Ramaphosa, who would succeed him as party president, then as state president the following year.
Image: Masi Losi

In Court Zuma at the Randburg magistrate’s court where his son, Duduzane, appeared on a charge of culpable homicide in 2014.
Image: Alaister Russell

Why not SA? Zuma returning last year from Cuba, where he had medical treatment.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi

Listen Carefully Zuma addressing the ANC Youth League in Sophiatown, Johannesburg, in 2019.
Image: Sebabatso Mosamo

Family secrets Zuma with his youngest daughter, Thuthukile, where he was addressing the ANC Youth League in Sophiatown, Johannesburg, in 2019.
Image: Sebabatso Mosamo

A moment of discomfort at the Zondo commission. The discomfort was to become greater when Zuma refused to appear before the commission again, for which he will now go to prison.

Squirm A moment of discomfort at the Zondo commission. The discomfort was to become greater when Zuma refused to appear before the commission again, for which he will now go to prison.
Image: Alon Skuy