Zuma foundation's sponsorship of Chinese Formula-E team raise eyebrows

Photographs carrying the logo of the Jacob Zuma Foundation on a team car for China’s Formula-E team are creating a buzz on social media, with questions being asked about why the South African president’s education and poverty alleviation trust is involved with another country’s electric car racing.

The president’s office and foundation have not as yet commented on the reports, but the photos are being circulated on Twitter of a racing car with the Zuma Foundation logo clearly visible‚ alongside commercial brands, including a tyre company and high-end watch brands.

The racing team (NEXTEV TCR), founded by Chinese businessman Yu Liu together with the Chinese Ministry of Sport‚ according to Radio 702, is China’s National racing team in the new global Electric FIA Formula E World Championship. 

Social media went crazy after reports about the alleged sponsorship of the racing team emerged, with many questioning the motives behind such a deal.

Besides the alleged sponsorship of the Chinese Formula-E racing team, the Jacob Zuma Foundation also plays a role in supporting sports development through their annual Msholozi Soccer tournament and is involved in education, agriculture and housing.