Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-29 19:28:55
The national executive committee of the ruling ANC in South Africa announced on Monday (Jan. 29) that it had decided to “summarily suspend Jacob Zuma as a member.” Local media sources report that the former president will be brought before the party’s disciplinary committee.
Last December, Zuma publicly declared that he would campaign and vote for the newly established MK party. In endorsing the party, Zuma expressed his inability to support the “ANC of president [Cyril] Ramaphosa.” However, according to the ANC constitution, disciplinary proceedings can be invoked against any member or public representative who joins or supports any organization or party other than the ANC or its alliance partners Cosatu, the SACP, and Sanco.
The upcoming general election in the country, scheduled for this year, is expected to be highly contested. This is because the ruling ANC, which has been in power since Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected leader in 1994, is facing numerous challenges.
The decision to suspend Zuma as a member of the ANC comes amid a turbulent political climate in the country. The move reflects the party’s commitment to upholding its constitution and maintaining discipline among its members.
The decision also highlights the underlying tensions within the ruling party, with differing factions and loyalties becoming increasingly apparent. Zuma’s public endorsement of a rival party further exacerbates these divisions and raises questions about the unity and stability of the ANC as it approaches the upcoming election.
As the political landscape in South Africa continues to evolve, the suspension of Jacob Zuma serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play within the ruling party. The outcome of the disciplinary proceedings and the implications for Zuma’s future involvement in South African politics remain to be seen. However, this development underscores the significance of the upcoming election and the challenges facing the ANC as it seeks to maintain its position of power in the country.
