In a significant move that underscores the turbulence within South African politics, the African National Congress (ANC), under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, has expelled former president Jacob Zuma. The decision follows Zuma’s public endorsement of the newly-formed uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) and his subsequent involvement with the party.
Zuma’s expulsion comes after a contentious disciplinary process. The former president faced charges for collaborating with an external political organization and for joining a party not aligned with the ANC. The disciplinary committee, which held hearings virtually, found Zuma guilty of violating the ANC’s constitution.
The fallout from Zuma’s actions was evident in the recent elections. His MKP, which he assumed leadership of after dismissing its founder, Jabulani Khumalo, made a notable impact. The MKP managed to secure 14% of the national vote, posing a significant challenge to the ANC, which garnered just 40% of the vote.
According to party regulations, Zuma has 21 days to appeal the expulsion decision to the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal. This process allows him to contest the findings and potentially reverse the expulsion, though the outcome remains uncertain.
Snuki Zikalala, President of the ANC Veterans’ League, welcomed the decision, describing it as “long overdue.” In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Zikalala stated that Zuma’s expulsion was necessary for the integrity of both the party and the broader societal fabric. He criticized Zuma for undermining the ANC by forming his own party and misleading supporters about his ANC membership status.
“Zuma has worked against the ANC, established his own party, and managed to deceive more than two million people by claiming he is still a member of the ANC. We welcome the decision to expel him and say if he wants to appeal, let him appeal,” Zikalala remarked.
Zikalala emphasized that adherence to party discipline is crucial, regardless of a member’s stature. The ANC, he argued, must maintain its standards and hold members accountable when they breach party rules. The expulsion of Zuma is a dramatic chapter in the ANC’s ongoing efforts to navigate internal divisions and restore its standing amid a shifting political landscape in South Africa.
In other news – Sables triumph over Algeria to claim Rugby Africa Cup title
Zimbabwe’s senior men’s rugby team clinched the Rugby Africa Cup trophy on Sunday at Mandela National Stadium, Kampala, with a commanding 29-3 victory over Algeria in the final. This win marks Zimbabwe’s second Rugby Africa Cup title, the first being secured in 2012.
