Time is money: Zuma wears R1.5m watch to voting station

uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma has been spotted wearing a R1,5 million luxury watch – an Audemars Piguet to be exact – while casting his vote in Nkandla in the general elections on Wednesday, 29 May.

The former president of South Africa was spotted in full party regalia in his hometown in KwaZulu-Natal.


 

Zuma is believed to own a watch collection worth almost R3 million.

ZUMA WEARS DESIGNER WATCH TO CAST VOTE
On Wednesday afternoon, Jacob Zuma visited the Ntolwane Primary School in Nkandla to cast his vote in the general elections.

In images posted on the MK Party X account, the 82-year-old wore a gold shirt and cap adorned with the political party’s logo.

On his left arm was a notable piece of jewellery—a rose gold Audemars Piguet Royal Pack Chroma worth R1.5 million.

jacob zuma, mk party
MK Party leader Jacob Zuma voted in Nkandla on Wednesday, 29 May. This will be the first time the former president has not voted for the ANC.
South Africans vote on May 29, 2024 in what may be the most consequential election in decades, as dissatisfaction with the ruling ANC threatens to end its 30-year political dominance. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
According to Luxurytime SA, the Swiss designer brand is part of the premium collection of luxury watches.

The brand is favoured by celebrities like Jay Z, Kevin Hart, and Drake.

According to EWN, this will be the first time that Zuma has not voted for the ANC during an election. Instead, he has been campaigning for his new political party – the MK Party – to regain his presidential power.

Formed just six months ago, the party has already been labelled the “wild card” in the general elections.

MORE LUXURY TIMEPIECES
According to Adriaan Rootman, CEO of LuxuryTime SA, Jacob Zuma has quite an impressive collection of luxury watches.

They include the following collector’s items:

Patek Philippe Complications valued at around R900 000
Rolex Datejust worth around R100 000
Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine estimated at R300 000
@luxurytimesa Reviewing SA Celebs Luxury Watches. Part 2 ft Jacob Zuma #luxurytime #audermarspiguet #rolex #fyp #jacobzuma ♬ original sound – Luxurytimesa
GIFTS FROM THE GUPTAS?
Meanwhile, social media users are claiming Jacob Zuma’s luxury watch collection could possibly be a gift from the notorious Gupta brothers.

According to amaBhungane’s joint “Gupta Leaks” investigation, bank and accounting records revealed that the Guptas reportedly paid close to R4 million in a home loan for Zuma’s wife, Bongi Ngema-Zuma.

Another generous offer was their R330 million Dubai mansion as Zuma’s “second home”