Former South African President Jacob Zuma has reportedly been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC), the party he once led, following his support for a rival party during the May 29 general election, according to local media.
The ANC’s disciplinary committee determined that Zuma had undermined the party’s integrity by aligning with uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK). He has been given three weeks to appeal the decision, as detailed in a leaked ANC document.
The ANC has yet to officially confirm his expulsion, while MK has claimed that Zuma has not been formally informed of the decision, describing the proceedings as a “kangaroo court.”
At 82, Zuma, a longtime ANC member, fell out with the party after his resignation as president in 2018 amid corruption scandals, which he has consistently denied. He was suspended by the ANC in January following his formation of MK, which now opposes the ANC-led government in parliament.
MK expressed surprise at learning about Zuma’s expulsion from media reports, criticizing the disciplinary process as unfair. The party asserted that Zuma should have been present for the proceedings, which were conducted virtually.
In 2021, Zuma was imprisoned for contempt of court after failing to fully cooperate with a corruption inquiry related to his presidency. His arrest triggered the most severe riots since the end of apartheid, resulting in over 300 deaths.
Zuma also faces corruption charges connected to a 1999 arms deal. Current President Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded Zuma in 2018, promised to address government corruption.
The ANC experienced its worst election result in 30 years on May 29, leading to a coalition government. MK emerged as the third-largest party, capturing nearly 15% of the vote and securing 58 seats in the 400-member parliament.
Zuma has alleged that the election results were rigged and has called for their annulment. MK plans to join an opposition alliance in parliament.
