Former South African President Jacob Zuma Expelled from ANC After Backing Rival Party

In Summary

• Jacob Zuma expelled from ANC after supporting rival party MK in May's election.
• MK secured about 15% of the vote, leading to ANC's loss of majority for the first time since apartheid.
• ANC's vote share dropped to 40.18%, resulting in a coalition government.
• Zuma has 21 days to appeal the expulsion decision.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA- Jacob Zuma, the former President of South Africa, has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) following his support for a rival party during the parliamentary election in May, the ANC announced on Monday. Zuma, who was suspended from the ANC in January after declaring his support for the newly formed uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, later became its leader and public face.

MK exceeded expectations in the election, capturing approximately 15% of the vote. This significant support contributed to the ANC losing its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid, forcing it into a coalition government. The ANC's vote share plummeted to 40.18%, a stark contrast to the 57.50% it garnered in 2019.

"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," ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula stated in a media briefing. "This conduct is irreconcilable with the spirit of organizational discipline and the letter of the ANC Constitution."

In response to reports of Zuma's expulsion, MK issued a statement criticizing the ANC's decision and condemning what it called "grave injustices" against Zuma. The statement also indicated that Zuma would consult his legal team to determine the next steps. According to the ANC, Zuma has 21 days to appeal the expulsion.

Zuma's tenure as president from 2009 to 2018 was marred by numerous corruption scandals and a sluggish economy. He has been at odds with the ANC leadership since being ousted as party leader in 2018, frequently criticizing his successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The political landscape in South Africa has shifted dramatically with MK now positioned as the official opposition. As Zuma prepares for a potential legal battle, the ANC faces the challenge of maintaining unity and discipline within its ranks amidst an evolving political environment.