Jacob Zuma Expelled from ANC After Forming Rival MK Party

South African Politics Is Always Extreme

Former South African president Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) after he formed a new political party, the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MK Party). This new party contested in the recent national elections, where it received nearly 15% of the vote, making it the third-largest party in South Africa. The MK Party’s significant electoral performance contributed to the ANC losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Jacob Zuma, Ex-President of South Africa, Is Expelled From A.N.C. https://t.co/XKERjA19QK

— David Mawby (@dmawby) July 29, 2024

Zuma, despite leading the MK Party, claimed he remained a member of the ANC. However, following a disciplinary hearing, the ANC expelled him, stating that his actions were “prejudicing the integrity” of the party. ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula explained that Zuma’s leadership of a rival party was incompatible with ANC membership and organizational discipline. The MK Party has denounced the expulsion, accusing the ANC’s disciplinary process of being unfair and likening it to a “kangaroo court.”

🇿🇦 IN THE HEADLINES | #SouthAfrica‘s former president Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the #ANC party. Global Fellow @NameeTerence explains #Zuma‘s history between the ANC and the new MK party in this @AfricaUpClose blog ⬇️ https://t.co/BAKo9fGXZg

— The Wilson Center (@TheWilsonCenter) July 29, 2024

Zuma, who served as president until 2018 when he was pressured to step down amid corruption allegations, maintains that he represents the “real” ANC, as opposed to the current leadership under President Cyril Ramaphosa. The political situation has highlighted divisions within the ANC and broader South African politics, as the party navigates its relationship with Zuma and his new political faction.

Key Points:

i. Former South African President Jacob Zuma expelled from the ANC after forming the MK Party.

ii. The MK Party received nearly 15% of the national vote, becoming the third-largest party.

iii. The ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994.

iv. Zuma claims he remains part of the “real” ANC, despite leading a rival party.

v. The MK Party criticized the ANC’s disciplinary process as biased and unfair.

TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News