Former South African President Jacob Zuma expelled from ANC

South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) after campaigning for a rival party in the May 29 general election. The ANC’s disciplinary committee found Zuma guilty of “prejudicing the integrity” of the party by aligning with uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK). Zuma has three weeks to appeal the decision.

The ANC stated, “His platform is dangerous, appeals to extremist instincts in our body politic, and riles up a political base that may foment social unrest.” MK responded, calling the disciplinary process a “kangaroo court” and claimed Zuma was unaware of the expulsion. Zuma, 82, had previously led the ANC but was forced to resign as president in 2018 amid corruption scandals, which he denies.

Zuma was suspended by the ANC in January after forming MK, now an opposition party in parliament. MK expressed shock at the expulsion, criticizing the disciplinary proceedings as unjust and highlighting that Zuma was not present at the virtual hearing. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated that Zuma’s request for a physical hearing was declined as it seemed to aim for a public spectacle.

Current President Cyril Ramaphosa succeeded Zuma in 2018, pledging to reform governance. However, in the May 29 elections, the ANC experienced its worst performance in 30 years, necessitating a coalition government. MK became the third-largest party, securing nearly 15% of the vote and 58 seats in the 400-member parliament. The Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest party, joined the coalition government, making MK the official opposition.

Zuma, barred from being an MP due to a 2021 prison sentence for contempt of court, faced further controversy over his appointment of an impeached ex-judge to lead MK in parliament. Zuma’s legal troubles continue, with ongoing corruption charges related to a 1999 arms deal.