Welcome to our latest update on South African politics. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has reportedly expelled former President Jacob Zuma. According to leaked documents, the ANC’s disciplinary committee voted to oust Zuma for his involvement in leading a rival group in the May elections. Five out of seven members of the panel supported the decision to expel Zuma.
Background
Earlier this month, the ANC initiated disciplinary proceedings against Zuma. He now has the right to appeal to the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal within 21 days. In January, Zuma was suspended by the ANC after he backed the newly formed MK party, which significantly impacted the ANC’s vote share in the May 29th election. The MK party secured third place with 14.5% of the vote, leading to 58 lawmakers in the 400-seat National Assembly under Zuma’s leadership.
Jacob Zuma’s Political Journey
Jacob Zuma has been a central figure in South African politics for decades. He joined the ANC in 1959 and spent ten years in Robben Island prison with Nelson Mandela. After his release, he quickly rose through the ANC’s ranks, becoming national chairperson in 1994 and deputy president in 1997. Zuma was elected President of South Africa in 2009 and served until 2018 when corruption allegations forced him out of office. He was succeeded by Cyril Ramaphosa.
Recent Developments and Controversies
In 2021, Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail for refusing to testify in a corruption probe. His arrest led to violent riots, resulting in over 350 deaths. He was released after two months on health grounds. Despite his legal troubles, Zuma retains significant political influence and enjoys support within certain ANC factions.
Implications for South African Politics
The expulsion of Jacob Zuma could have far-reaching consequences for South Africa’s political landscape. The ANC secured only 40% of the vote in the recent election, its weakest performance since coming to power in 1994. Zuma’s new party, the MK party, poses a significant challenge to the ANC, particularly under Ramaphosa’s leadership.
Future Prospects
This development raises several critical questions:
- Will the expulsion deepen divisions within the ANC?
- Can Zuma’s party become a more formidable force in the National Assembly?
- How will this impact Ramaphosa’s leadership and the ANC’s future electoral prospects?
As South Africa navigates this period of political turbulence, the outcome of Zuma’s appeal and the evolving dynamics within the ANC and its opposition will be crucial to watch.
