South Africa's ruling African National Congress says there is nothing sinister in its leader Jacob Zuma wishing to take a third wife

Local media have reported that his fiancee, Thobeka Mabhija, has made a traditional gift to his family, as part of the wedding preparations. Mr Zuma married his second wife in January 2008. He is the strong favorite to become South Africa's next president, after elections due in the coming months. Correspondents say it is common for leaders in Mr Zuma's Zulu community to have more than one wife. The Mercury newspaper reports that the family of Ms Mabhija, 34, delivered gifts including a goat, sheep and vegetables to Mr Zuma's family home, as part of the Zulu umbondo tradition ahead of a wedding.