This morning there have been false statement that have been circulated on social media about the passing of Former President Zuma’s first wife Sizakele MaKhumalo Zuma.
The rumours were started by former Statitician-General Dr Pali Lehohla, who went on national television and said “The former President lost his brother Micheal and this morning lost his wife Makhumalo. We need to deeply pass our condolences to these set of tragic events.” he said
Guys how true is this about MaKhumalo😭😭😭💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/z99Ew89xSM
— African Pearl 🌍🐘 (@BPearl09) July 12, 2021
The Jacob Zuma Foundation took to Twitter to set the record straight, that these were false statements and that the First Lady Makhumalo was indeed alive and well.
Dear ALL
Following media enquiries, the Foundation checked with the family and can confirm that the rumour about First Lady MaKhumalo having passed on is devoid of truth. Long Live Mama Wesizwe— JGZuma Foundation (Official) (@JGZ_Foundation) July 12, 2021
Stop Spreading Fake unverified News. Makhumalo is well and Alive. pic.twitter.com/zXD8zJsVjk
— #KingBebe 💙👑 (@KingMntungwa) July 12, 2021
Khumalo met Zuma in 1959 and the two started a relationship, but they were separated when Zuma was arrested in 1963 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Zuma and Khumalo were married after he was released in 1973, and in 1975 Zuma went into exile leaving Khumalo behind.
While in exile he started a relationship with another ANC exile Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and the two later got married, making Khumalo Zuma’s first wife in a polygamous marriage according to Zulu tradition.



