In a statement issued on his behalf by the Presidency, Zuma was unapologetic and played down his moral culpability . He stressed the damaging effect the publicity had had on the baby and its mother.
"It is unfortunate that the individuals concerned have been unfairly subjected to harsh media exposure merely because of the position that I occupy," he said. Zuma said the constitution and SA's laws provided for the protection of children from harmful public exposure, yet the media essentially questioned the child's right to exist.
"The naming of the child's parents has essentially exposed her to the public, which has serious implications in the long term for her, and amounts to the exploitation referred to in the (Children's) Act, because the media is making money out of the matter," he said.
Zuma said he had taken personal responsibility for his actions, just like he implored on World AIDS Day.
"I have done the necessary cultural imperatives in a situation of this nature, for example the formal acknowledgement of paternity and responsibility, including the payment of inhlawulo (damages for a child born out of wedlock) to the family."
The matter was now between "the two of us, and culturally, between the Zuma and Khoza families". Zuma said it was "mischievous" to argue that he undermined government's stance on the HIV/AIDS campaign.
"I will not compromise on the campaign. Rather we will intensify our efforts to promote prevention, treatment, research and the fight against the stigma attached to the epidemic," he said.
Zuma said the government would continue with its campaign to ensure that every South African knew their status and had access to treatment.
Political analyst Steven Friedman attached little importance to the statement, saying the issue would have no effect on investors or voters, as they already knew that Zuma was a polygamist with different views on relationships.
"If this was (Archbishop Desmond) Tutu or (Congress of the People parliamentary leader Mvume) Dandala it would be a national scandal, but it's not. This guy is a polygamist," he said.
Zulu traditionalists sided with Zuma, accusing his detractors of "undermining his culture" and invading his privacy. Prince Mbonisi Zulu, spokesman for Zulu king Goodwill Zwelithini, said the matter was a private one between the Zuma and the Khoza households.
However, a culture expert, Ndela Nelson Ntshangase, said while a married Zulu man was permitted to date another woman , having a child out of wedlock was not on.
"The married man may not need any permission from the wives to start the process of 'ukushela' (courtship, wooing or dating).
"Once he does, and the wives are keen to know about it, then he may reveal it (the relationship)."
Nxamalala clan chief, Inkosi Bhekumuzi Zuma, declined to comment. With Wonder Hlongwa, Sapa