Former South African President Jacob Zuma Faces Potential Expulsion from ANC Over Allegiance to Rival Party
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Former South African President Jacob Zuma is poised to undergo a disciplinary hearing with the African National Congress (ANC) party following his active campaigning against the organisation he once led. Zuma’s allegiance now lies with the newly-formed MK Party, a move that has escalated tensions within the political landscape of South Africa.
The disciplinary hearing scheduled for Wednesday at the ANC headquarters in Johannesburg could result in the 82-year-old Zuma’s expulsion from the ANC, an organisation he joined in the late 1950s during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Zuma’s political journey has been tumultuous since his resignation as president in 2018 amidst allegations of corruption. His strained relationship with President Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded him, has further polarised the ANC.
In a definitive split with the ANC last December, Zuma publicly announced his leadership of the MK Party and his intent to contest the national elections on May 29. His criticism of Ramaphosa, at times accusing him of treason, underscored his dissatisfaction with the ANC’s direction.
Despite assuming leadership of the MK Party, Zuma expressed his intention to maintain his ANC membership, a stance that led to his suspension by the ANC in January on grounds of undermining the party’s integrity.
The format of Wednesday’s hearing remains uncertain, with conflicting reports suggesting Zuma prefers an in-person session while the ANC leans towards a virtual format.
Zuma’s political manoeuvring proved consequential in the May elections, where the MK Party secured an unexpected 14% of the national vote, marking a significant shift in South Africa’s political landscape. This outcome contributed to the ANC losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since apartheid ended in 1994, triggering the formation of a diverse coalition government.
Despite legal challenges, including a prison sentence in 2021 for contempt of court related to corruption allegations during his presidency, Zuma’s popularity in certain regions remains evident. He faces further legal proceedings next year over separate corruption charges predating his presidency.
Disqualified from parliamentary candidacy due to his prison sentence, Zuma continues to lead the MK Party, positioning it as the third-largest parliamentary presence and official opposition.
