Polygamy Issue:South Africa's New President,Jacob Zuma,Has Three First Ladies!!!

Which one of Jacob Zuma's three wives will become the first lady of South Africa?That's a question that many in the media are pondering right now,since Jacob Zuma is South Africa's first polygamous president.

More than likely,President Zuma will not choose one first lady because he does not have to.The polygamy issue has been created by "American news values",according to Steven Friedman of the University of Johannesburg.After all,polygamy is a part of Zulu culture & tradition.And Jacob Zuma is a man of tradition.

Here's more from BBC News:

"But should sexual politics have an influence over voters' choices?

Steven Friedman at the University of Johannesburg says not.

"If as a politician you believe it is OK to rape or treat people with violence then that will have an effect on the way you deal with public challenges."

"But if you think it's OK to marry five women I don't think it would."

Mr Zuma is deeply committed to traditional beliefs, he says.

"But I'm sceptical if the electorate cares much about it."
Tradition
So why has there been such a flurry of media articles about who will be the "first wife"?
The ANC has said the matter is a personal one and there is no protocol to dictate who Mr Zuma should choose to be his "first wife".

It has also been suggested that one of Mr Zuma's daughters could take on the role.

But Mr Friedman says there is nothing in the constitution about any role for the president's spouse.

"A lot of the media speculation has been driven by American news values, something that doesn't really have much to do with South African political culture."So does Zulu culture indicate who will get to shake Barack Obama's hand or take tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace?

Mr Madlala says it is likely that Mr Zuma will not have to choose one woman to be his official companion at state occasions or visits.

The Zulu king Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu frequently takes more than one of his five wives with him on visits, he says.
"It may be that to avoid antagonising some of them he takes them all to state occasions.

"Or he may rotate among them, like the nightly visits." (END OF EXCERPT)Read the rest here.