While most of South Africa's younger politicians are extremely Twitter-savvy, the septuagenarian is new to social media and might be in for a rude awakening as he is routinely mocked and vilified online.

Despite having been made to resign earlier this year amid a slew of corruption allegations, Zuma choose the Twitter handle @PresJGZuma.

"I have decided to move with times, to join this conversation as I hear many people are talking about me," he said in a video posted to his account.

Zuma - sometimes dubbed the "Teflon president" for his ability to weather scandal after scandal - is currently on trial for corruption.

Twitter users reacted to his decision to join the social media platform with glee.

"Jacob Zuma and Donald Trump are on twitter. Let the game begin," tweeted user Phumzile Malotana.

Australian Associated Press