Agencies

Durban, May 8: South Africa will get three First Ladies when President-elect Jacob Zuma, a polygamist, is sworn in on Saturday putting an end to months of  speculation on the hot topic.

The Star newspaper reported that Zuma, 67, had invited his first wife Sizakele, 69, his second wife, Nompumelelo, who is in her mid-30s, and a third woman, Thobeka Mabhija, for whom he has reportedly paid lobola (bride price) to the lavish ceremony in Pretoria. Other family members to share the day will him will include his children, his brothers and sisters and his three surviving aunts, the newspaper said.

While Vice President Hamid Ansari will represent India at the inauguration, others on Zuma’s personal guest list are former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano, former Nigerian vice-president Atiku Abubakar and the reverend Jesse Jackson.

Polygamy is still common in rural parts of KwaZulu-Natal province, from which Zuma, a Zulu, hails. The populist leader speaks openly about the practice, saying he sees nothing wrong with it and that he loves his wives. It is not clear which companion will accompany him on state visits; leading to speculation he may vary it.