Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) after he supported a rival party in the parliamentary election in May. The ANC announced Zuma’s expulsion, accusing him of actively working to remove the ANC from power despite still claiming to be a member of the party. This behavior was deemed to be in violation of the party’s constitution and principles of organizational discipline, leading to his expulsion.
Zuma’s support for the new uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party in the election proved to be significant, as MK won about 15 percent of the vote, contributing to the ANC losing its majority for the first time since apartheid. The ANC’s vote share decreased to 40.18 percent, down from 57.50 percent in the previous election, forcing the party into a coalition government for the first time in over two decades. MK now serves as the official opposition party in South Africa.
In response to reports of his expulsion, Zuma’s party, MK, criticized the ANC’s process and condemned what they deemed to be “grave injustices” against Zuma. Zuma himself, through his legal team, will appeal the decision within the 21-day window provided by the ANC. Zuma’s relationship with the ANC leadership has been strained since his resignation as party leader in 2018, with repeated clashes with his successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Zuma’s time in office from 2009 to 2018 was marred by corruption scandals and economic stagnation, contributing to his fall from grace within the ANC. Despite this, Zuma has continued to play a significant role in South African politics, backing MK and campaigning against the ANC during the recent election. The decision to expel him was seen as a necessary step to maintain party unity and discipline, with the ANC leadership aiming to distance themselves from Zuma’s divisive actions.
The expulsion of Zuma from the ANC marks a significant turning point in South African politics, showing the fragmentation within the ruling party and the emergence of new opposition forces. As South Africa grapples with economic challenges and social unrest, the political landscape is shifting, with new players like MK gaining traction and challenging the dominance of the ANC. The outcome of Zuma’s appeal will have far-reaching implications for the future of the ANC and the broader political landscape in South Africa.
Overall, Jacob Zuma’s expulsion from the ANC reflects the ongoing power struggles and divisions within the party and the broader political system in South Africa. As the country seeks to navigate a path forward amidst economic challenges and social unrest, the fate of Zuma and his allies will have a profound impact on the future direction of South African politics. The ANC’s decision to expel Zuma signals a willingness to take decisive action to protect the party’s integrity and unity, while also opening up new possibilities for opposition forces to gain ground in the evolving political landscape.
