Jacob Zuma is father for 20th time, but not by one of his three wives

Jacob Zuma, the polygamous president of South Africa, has been accused of undermining the fight against Aids by reportedly fathering his 20th child – with a woman who is not one of his three wives.

Zuma, 67, allegedly had unprotected sex with the daughter of a friend who is one of the principal organisers of this year's football World Cup.

39-year-old divorcee Sonono Khoza, the daughter of a football official, Irvin Khoza, gave birth to Zuma's daughter in October. The president, who recently married for the fifth time, already has 19 children.



The claim, which was not denied by Zuma's office, prompted fierce criticism from the opposition Democratic Alliance. Its leader, Helen Zille, said: "President Jacob Zuma's behaviour directly contradicts the government's campaign against multiple sexual partners, and the inherent Aids risk in having unprotected sex."

Zille said a current government advertising campaign promotes safe sex, the use of condoms and attitudes that diminish the chance of having unprotected sex with multiple partners. "It sits in stark contrast to the behaviour, and it would appear attitude, of the president."

She added: "There are some people who may argue that Jacob Zuma's sex life is a matter of private morality or 'culture', but this is not so. His personal behaviour has profound public consequences, and he acknowledged as much by apologising to the nation for having unprotected sex, following his rape trial [in 2006], and by undertaking to change his ways." Zuma was acquitted of rape.