Rédaction Africa Links 24 with AFP
Published on 2024-01-29 19:01:43
Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been suspended from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) as of Monday, marking a significant sign of disunity within the party just ahead of this year’s general elections. This decision comes after Zuma publicly backed a rival political group ahead of the upcoming elections, suggesting further fragmentation within the ANC.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula announced that Zuma would be subjected to a disciplinary process and that legal action would be taken against the rival political group that Zuma has been associated with. The suspension is seen as a response to Zuma’s public support for a new party, uMkhonto We Sizwe (MK), named after the ANC’s former armed wing during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Despite being the fourth president of democratic South Africa from 2009 to 2018, Zuma’s tenure was marred by corruption allegations which ultimately led to his resignation. In December, he made it clear that he would be campaigning for the MK party, further distancing himself from the ANC.
The decision to suspend Zuma comes at a crucial time for the ANC, as the party is already facing declining support amid allegations of corruption and economic challenges. Polls indicate that Zuma’s departure could lead to a loss of votes for the ANC.
The ANC also expressed plans to take legal action to deregister the MK party and challenge its use of the name “Spear of the Nation,” a move that has been perceived as an attempt to exploit the historical legacy of the ANC’s struggle against apartheid.
It is clear that tensions between Zuma and the current President Cyril Ramaphosa are ongoing, with Zuma publicly denouncing Ramaphosa’s government. Given Zuma’s legal issues and inability to seek elected office, this decision could mark a significant turning point for the ANC as they aim to renew and improve the party’s image moving forward.
