Amidst Political Turmoil, South Africa’s Ex-President Jacob Zuma Is Expelled from the ANC
Jacob Zuma’s ouster from the African National Congress (ANC), the political organization he formerly commanded, has sent shockwaves across South Africa’s political system. This shocking turn of events occurred after Zuma decided to run for the general election on May 29th as a candidate for the opposition party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK). Zuma was found guilty of “prejudicing the integrity” of the ANC by the disciplinary committee, which has given him three weeks to appeal the judgment.
Addressing Disciplinary Matters and Claims
A disciplinary committee within the ANC has charged Zuma with defying the party’s will through his ties to MK, an opposition party to the current ANC-led administration. Inciting societal instability and appealing to South Africa’s political extremists, Zuma’s program is deemed “dangerous” by the ANC. These issues were articulated in a statement made by the ANC, which defended their decision to dismiss Zuma.
Nevertheless, MK has taken a firm stance in their response, asserting that Zuma was misinformed over the disciplinary processes, which they perceive as a “kangaroo court.” No one, not even those accused of grave crimes, should be punished while they are absent, according to MK’s statement, which stresses the violation of basic legal standards.
The ANC and Zuma’s Fallout
Jacob Zuma’s (now 82 years old) relationship with the African National Congress (ANC) has been fraught with conflicts throughout the years. Although he has always denied any involvement, a string of corruption scandals led to his forced resignation as president in 2018. When he founded MK in January, his already strained relationship with the ANC took a turn for the worst, and he was eventually suspended from party activities.
At a news conference, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula announced Zuma’s expulsion. According to Mbalula, Zuma’s refusal to participate in a virtual hearing in favor of his actual presence was seen by the party as an attempt to generate attention. In response to MK’s allegations, Mbalula denied that Zuma was unaware of the expulsion and denied that a “kangaroo court” was involved.
Political Consequences and Responses
South Africa’s political landscape will be greatly affected by Jacob Zuma’s expulsion. After Zuma stepped down as president in 2018, Cyril Ramaphosa took office with a promise to root out corruption in the executive branch. The African National Congress (ANC) had its worst electoral performance in 30 years in the May 29 elections, which resulted in a coalition administration.
With approximately 15% of the vote and 58 seats in the 400-member parliament, MK became the third-largest party in the country and a strong political force. This ascent greatly eroded the ANC’s conventional base of support. The second-largest party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), became the formal opposition after joining the coalition administration, forcing MK to take a back seat.
Conflicts and Legal Issues
Zuma’s legal troubles have tarnished his political career. He was found guilty of contempt of court in 2021 and sentenced to 15 months in prison for refusing to appear before a panel that was looking into wrongdoing that occurred while his president. The most violent riots in South Africa since apartheid’s fall in 1994 broke out after his incarceration, killing more than 300 people.
Additional corruption charges pertaining to an arms transaction in 1999 are currently pressing against Zuma. In spite of everything, he is still a powerful figure in South African politics. To show that he intends to keep playing a major role in politics, Zuma has chosen an ex-judge who was impeached for serious misbehavior to head MK in parliament.
In summary
An important turning point in South African politics has occurred with Jacob Zuma’s expulsion from the ANC. The ANC’s internal strife and the difficulties it encounters in sustaining its supremacy are brought to light by the aftermath. There is still a lot of uncertainty about South Africa’s political scene as Zuma deals with his court issues and MK strengthens its influence. The next few weeks could be pivotal as Zuma considers appealing the ANC’s decision, which could lead to additional political turmoil.
