AGE: 65
OCCUPATION: President of the African National Congress
NUMBER OF TIME COVERS: 0
PREVIOUS APPEARANCES ON THE TIME 100: 0
PRO: Having wrested control of South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress, from politically crippled president Thabo Mbeki, the unctuous Zuma is now heir apparent to the presidency. Hard to believe he recently beat a rape charge — and nabbed the endorsement of a prominent women's group.
CON: But if he's convicted of corruption in connection with a $5 billion arms deal, Zuma will be constitutionally barred from South Africa's highest office.