Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s President has apologised to the nation for fathering a child with a woman who was not one of his three wives. Zuma said he regretted the pain he had caused his family and South Africa.

“I deeply regret the pain that I have caused to my family, the ANC, the alliance and South Africans in general,” the 67-year-old Zuma said, admitting that his child with Khoza, daughter of soccer boss Irvin Khoza, was born out of wedlock.

Zuma who has three wives and a fiancee, said he had taken responsibility for his actions and had conducted the required “cultural imperatives” — the formal acknowledgment of paternity and responsibility, including the payment of inhlawulo to the family.

The baby girl, who was born in October, was reportedly the President’s 20th child. “I also acknowledge and understand the reaction of many South Africans,” he said.

By Staff reporter and agencies