Jacob Zuma, the former president of South Africa, has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) after supporting a rival party in the parliamentary election. The ANC confirmed this decision on Monday. Zuma, a longstanding member of the ANC, had his membership suspended in January when he announced his support for the new uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party in the general election. He soon became the leader and prominent figure of MK.
In the recent election, MK performed better than anticipated, securing around 15% of the vote. This was a significant factor in the ANC losing its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid. The ANC managed to win only 40.18% of the vote, a steep decline from the 57.50% it garnered in 2019. This drop forced the ANC into a coalition government, a first since it came to power in 1994. MK has now emerged as the official opposition.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula addressed the media, stating, “Former President Jacob Zuma has actively impugned the integrity of the ANC and campaigned to dislodge the ANC from power, while claiming that he had not severed his membership. This conduct is irreconcilable with the spirit of organizational discipline and the letter of the ANC Constitution.”
Zuma’s expulsion has sparked controversy, with MK criticizing the ANC’s decision. In a statement released earlier on Monday, MK condemned what it described as “grave injustices” against Zuma and criticized the ANC’s process. MK stated, “President Zuma will engage his legal team to urgently determine the course of action.” According to the ANC, Zuma has 21 days to appeal the decision.
Zuma’s nine years in office, from 2009 to 2018, were marked by numerous corruption scandals and slow economic growth. His tenure has left a legacy of political strife within the ANC. Zuma has often clashed with the party’s leadership since being forced to resign as party leader in 2018. His relationship with his successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been particularly strained. Zuma has frequently criticized Ramaphosa, contributing to the ongoing tensions within the party.
The formation of MK and its unexpected success in the elections have altered the political operations in South Africa. The MK party, under Zuma’s leadership, managed to attract a significant portion of the electorate, which traditionally supported the ANC. This shift in voter loyalty highlights the growing dissatisfaction with the ANC’s performance and governance.
