Jacob Zuma's 'love child' sparks political row

South Africa's main opposition party has accused the country's president of contradicting the government's message on HIV/Aids prevention.

President Jacob Zuma had a child with Sonono Khoza, the daughter of local world cup boss Irvin Khoza last year, claims the Sunday Times newspaper.

Mr Zuma has also been criticised for his practice of polygamy, in a country with a devastating HIV prevalence.

Mr Zuma married for the fifth time earlier this year.

Although he is thought to have at least 20 children, Mr Zuma has always refused to say exactly how many offspring he has fathered.

So it is not surprising that, so far, neither the ANC nor the government have commented on the story, splashed across the front page of South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper.

Allegations

The newspaper alleges that a girl was born to Mr Zuma and Ms Khoza last October.

Ms Khoza is 39 years old and works for a bank.

She has a famous father - Irvin Khoza is a friend of Mr Zuma and, as chairman of the World Cup Organising Committee, is one of the most powerful men in South African football.

The president's many supporters will no doubt say this is a private matter.

But, if true, it is not the first time that Mr Zuma's actions have directly contradicted the government's HIV/Aids policy.

In 2006, while being acquitted of rape, Mr Zuma admitted that he had made a mistake by having unprotected sex.

The Democratic Alliance, South Africa's largest opposition party, said the latest allegations showed the president undermining the struggle against Aids by having unprotected sex with multiple partners.

Mr Zuma's colourful private life is never far from the headlines.

Earlier this month, he married for the fifth time - with Thobeka Mabhija becoming one of three current wives.

Polygamy is permitted in South African law and is regarded as an important part of Zulu culture.

BBC Online, Feb. 1, 2010