President Zuma's 70th birthday

President Jacob Zuma has received “proud” wishes for his 70th birthday from the African National Congress in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

“The ANC KZN provincial executive committee and the entire membership would like to take this opportunity to wish President Jacob Zuma a happy birthday,” provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala said in a statement.

Zuma turns 70 on Thursday.

“We are proud of the contribution comrade Zuma made during the painful liberation struggle, which saw him being separated from his family for years,” said Zikalala.

“The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal also salutes president Zuma for the role he continues to play in our organisation and as the head of government in South Africa.” 

ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said Zuma would settle for nothing less than the total emancipation of all South Africans.

“As a leader, he continues to inspire our people and give hope of a better tomorrow.

“We want to salute him for having spent the better years of his selfless life in the service of the people of South Africa.

“We also want to thank his family and kin for having shared one of their own with us in the long-drawn struggle that sought to restore the dignity and freedom of our people.

The ANC Women’s League said President Zuma’s 70th birthday is a milestone that South Africans should be proud of.

“Comrade Jacob Zuma has dedicated most of his 70 years to the African National Congress and to the people of South Africa and for that we thank him,” it said in a statement. “Not many can boast a track record of selfless service to the struggle and to the country as the president can.” 

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