Media personality Nonkanyiso “LaConco” Conco has opened up about her relationship with uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party) leader Jacob Zuma.
In a string of Instagram stories on Tuesday, the 32-year-old former Real Housewives of Durban star shared her story – from when they started dating to their engagement, the birth of their son and their break-up.
LACONCO SHARES DETAILS OF HER ROMANCE WITH MK PARTY LEADER JACOB ZUMA
Sharing a picture shot in 2016 – when she was a Zulu maiden clad in traditional attire – LaConco revealed that was already in a four-year relationship with the former South African president.
“Ngashelwa isoka lakwa Zuma, ngaqoma [I was wooed by a Cassanova from the Zuma clan, I fell for him] we were seeing each other here for four years. We then created a bumble [sic] that we lived in, people around me could tell I was in love but didn’t know with who. His circle felt my presence too, some did dig and found my pictures some waited until he was ready to introduce me.
“I was in my era of airport and hotels every week. Ngiyohlola phela isoka la lisebenza khona [For work visits]. Sometimes I would see him 30min and be fine. This time of my life was a big test, of being loyal to my values and principles,” she said.
AMALOBOLO AND ENGAGEMENT
That year, Zuma and LaConco made their relationship official.
The businesswoman and former Our Perfect Wedding host reflected on the amalobolo negotiations – a private affair shared only between their families.
“He was in between meetings but made sure to call and express his excitement. I felt like I was in a dream the whole day. I couldn’t eat but cooked everything. I’ll never forget the words of one of the negotiators: ‘Mama, you have raised her well, we’ve negotiated before but we have never come across a woman of her calibre.’”
Following a successful ceremony, LaConco said Zuma called her about shopping for an engagement ring to symbolise that she was taken.
VIRGINITY AND BABY SAKHA
LaConco, who was still a virgin at the time, said she never felt pressured to lose her virginity.
“After he paid lobolo, I never felt pressured. When I was ready for the baby dance, it happened. His position never fazed me, my position in his life I never questioned because he showed me. He loved me loud behind closed doors [sic],” she said.
On 12 April 2018, LaConco gave birth to their son, Sakhumuzi Zuma – whom she calls Sakha. The six-year-old boy shares his birthday with his father.
LaConco said the former ANC president was the first person to tell her she was pregnant.
“My breasts were the first sign. He told me I was pregnant; yoh, it pissed me off… He said there’s a bridge that will connect us forever. I thought I had cancer, but I was actually pregnant.”
Explaining their son’s name, she said: “He named him ‘Sakhaumuzi’ which means ‘we are building a home!’ I was shocked when he told me that Haibo is blessed with many children.”
Zuma has more than 20 children in total, which include popular twins Duduzane and Duduzile Zuma, as well as Uzalo creator Gugulethu Zuma-Ncube.
Although Zuma and LaConco have been separated for four years – a break-up she said was difficult to get over — she revealed that Zuma is beginning to spend more and more time with their son.