South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC), the very party he once led. This significant development comes after Zuma's controversial support for a rival political faction, the uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) Party, which he endorsed during the recent general elections. The ANC's decision to expel Zuma marks a crucial point in the nation's political dynamics, highlighting the internal strife within one of Africa's oldest liberation movements.
"Former President Jacob Zuma has actively impugned the integrity of the ANC," stated ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula during a press briefing on Monday. "This conduct is irreconcilable with the spirit of organizational discipline and the letter of the ANC constitution."
The expulsion follows the ANC's suspension of Zuma's membership on January 29, subsequent to his declaration of support for the MK Party in December 2023. The ANC emphasized that while it is committed to nurturing and correcting its members, actions that severely conflict with the party's core values and principles cannot be tolerated.
Zuma, who was forced to resign from the presidency in 2018 amid a series of corruption scandals and internal party conflicts, has 21 days to appeal the decision. His political career has been marred by numerous controversies, including his refusal to testify before an anti-corruption commission, which led to a contempt of court conviction.
In May, South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled unanimously that Zuma was ineligible to run for parliament in the country's critical general election. Despite this ruling, Zuma's influence remained evident as his face appeared on the ballot for the MK Party. The ANC, for the first time in 30 years, lost its majority, securing only 40.18% of the vote, a significant drop from the 57.5% in the 2019 election. The MK Party, Zuma's new political home, managed to secure 14.59% of the vote, becoming a notable player in the South African political arena.
Zuma's expulsion has sparked a mixed response. MK Party officials have condemned the ANC's decision, describing it as the outcome of a "kangaroo court." They argue that Zuma was not given a fair chance to defend himself, as he was not present during the virtual disciplinary hearings, which he had requested to attend in person.
"His platform is dangerous, appeals to extremist instincts in our body politic, and riles up a political base that may foment social unrest," the ANC said in a statement. Mbalula added, "[The] kangaroo court is that MK. Who are they to lecture people about due process?"
The broader implications of Zuma's expulsion are significant. Current President Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded Zuma in 2018, has been trying to steer the ANC away from the corruption and scandals of the past. However, the ANC's recent electoral performance indicates a growing disenchantment among South African voters.
The ANC's loss in the general election necessitated forming a coalition government, a first in the party's history since the end of apartheid. Meanwhile, the MK Party emerged as a powerful opposition force, capitalizing on the ANC's waning support.
