The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party, announced on Monday the expulsion of the country’s former president, Jacob Zuma. This decision officially severs ties with the once-celebrated anti-apartheid fighter after he helped establish a rival political party.
Zuma’s Troubled Leadership
Despite being a prominent figure in the ANC for decades, Zuma’s presidency and party leadership were marred by a series of corruption scandals that tarnished the party’s reputation. Pressure mounted for him to step down as South Africa’s president in 2018.
Rise of Rival Party uMkhonto weSizwe
This year, Zuma backed the formation of a new party, uMkhonto weSizwe (M.K.), which dealt a significant blow to the ANC by winning the third-highest number of votes in the recent national election. The emergence of M.K. challenged the ANC’s long-standing dominance in South African politics.
Expulsion from the ANC
The Secretary-General of the ANC, Fikile Mbalula, stated that Zuma was expelled for actively undermining the integrity of the ANC and campaigning to remove the party from power. Zuma has been given 21 days to appeal the decision.
Zuma’s Political Comeback
Despite facing legal challenges, including a conviction and prison sentence, Zuma emerged as the face of M.K. during the election campaign. He has accused his successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa, of corruption and has aimed to disrupt the ANC’s hold on power.
Legacy and Controversy
Zuma, who joined the ANC as a teenager and endured imprisonment during the apartheid era, later faced allegations of corruption and mismanagement during his presidency. His return to politics has been viewed as a move to retaliate against his former party and its leadership.
Contributions by Amelia Nierenberg and John Eligon.
