Anc Excludes Former President Jacob Zuma
The disciplinary committee of the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party in South Africa, has decided to expel former president Jacob Zuma for leading a rival party in the May elections, as reported by local press on Sunday, July 28. A leaked document states that “the accused member is expelled from the ANC” and has the right to appeal within twenty-one days before the national disciplinary appeals commission.
Consequences of Zuma’s Actions
Jacob Zuma, who was suspended by the ANC in January for forming an alliance with the newly formed Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, which he leads, is facing potential revocation of his ANC membership. The MK party secured third place in the election, while the ANC suffered its worst electoral performance in thirty years. Zuma, 82, joined the ANC in 1959 and served as the president of South Africa from 2009 until he was ousted in 2018 due to corruption allegations.
Legal Issues and Political Influence
Zuma’s political influence remains significant despite his legal troubles. He was briefly imprisoned in June 2021 for contempt of court, but his sentence was commuted by his longtime rival and successor, Cyril Ramaphosa, due to health reasons. Zuma’s incarceration led to widespread violence in South Africa, resulting in over 350 deaths. While unable to serve as a member of parliament, Zuma continues to enjoy support from certain factions within the ANC.
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