Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been suspended from the party he formerly led for refusing to support it and initiating a rival organisation.
The African National Congress (ANC) made this announcement on Monday.
“Zuma and others whose conduct is in conflict with our values and principles, will find themselves outside the African National Congress,” said Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.
During Zuma’s nine-year presidency starting in 2009, he faced persistent scandals.
An official inquiry revealed that he prioritised the interests of corrupt associates over the well-being of his country, a practice referred to as “state capture.” In 2021, post his presidency, he was jailed for failing to appear at the inquiry.
Additionally, he confronts corruption charges related to a 1999 arms deal, vehemently denying any wrongdoing.
Despite these controversies, the ANC had tolerated him. However, the emergence of a new party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), named after the ANC’s former armed wing, was seen as a significant departure.
In a critical letter, Mr. Zuma’s former ANC allies accused him of tarnishing the “proud history of armed struggle against the apartheid regime” through the “opportunistic use of military symbolism.” They assert that MK’s existence aims to “erode the support base of the ANC.”
Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa’s current President, took over from Zuma in 2018, pledging to clean up the government. Leading an embattled ANC into this year’s general election, Ramaphosa faces the challenge of restoring public trust.
