Jacob Zuma apologizes for fathering illegitimate child

London, Feb 7 (ANI): South African President Jacob Zuma has apologized for fathering a child with a woman who was not his wife.

Zuma, a Zulu traditionalist who practices polygamy and currently has three wives, a fiancée, and 20 children, was criticized for setting a bad example in a country where large numbers of people are infected with HIV/Aids, reports The Independent.

In a statement, Zuma said: "I have over the past week taken time to consider and reflect on the issues relating to a relationship I had outside of wedlock... It has put a lot of pressure on my family and my organisation, the African National Congress. I deeply regret the pain that I have caused to my family, the ANC, the Alliance and South Africans in general."

The daughter of a World Cup chief gave birth to a baby girl last year believed to have been fathered by Zuma.

This is not the first time that the president's sex life has come under the scanner.

In 2006, Zuma admitted that he had made a mistake by having unprotected sex with a woman he knew to be HIV-positive.

The Star newspaper lambasted Zuma in an editorial: "His rampant libido has made South Africa a laughing stock of the world and may even harm the country's interest." (ANI)