Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Conversation
Published on 2024-01-29 13:04:29
Former South African president Jacob Zuma has announced his endorsement of the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party, further intensifying competition with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) ahead of the upcoming national elections. This move not only represents a political challenge but also asserts Zuma’s connection to the party’s legacy. The emergence of this new party, reportedly Zuma’s brainchild, was strategically timed to coincide with the 62nd anniversary of the original uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), which was formed in 1961 to combat the apartheid regime.
Zuma’s bold actions have put the ANC in a difficult position, prompting criticism and debates about potential expulsions. There are underlying reasons for the ANC’s hesitancy to take action, dating back to its history of defending Zuma’s past misconduct. The party’s reluctance to confront Zuma reflects its own complicity in enabling his actions and his rise to power.
The ANC’s failure to address the Zuma issue has implications, both politically and in terms of lost votes, as it struggles to fulfill its promise of renewal. Zuma’s character and political influence were clear to the ANC early on, yet the party’s internal divisions and Zuma’s successfully exploited these to gain ascendancy. The desire to protect Zuma from accountability had been demonstrated through a myriad of actions, from absolving him of serious charges to defending him in parliamentary debates.
The alliance partners, Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), also played into Zuma’s populist strategy. As Zuma rose to power, his actions, including personal scandals and controversial appointments, revealed a leader who operated with impunity and strategically manipulated the political climate to his advantage. The ANC hesitated to confront him, even when the impact of Zuma’s rule became increasingly evident.
The reluctance to take decisive action against Zuma has only perpetuated the ANC’s internal turmoil. The party has skirted around the issue, attempting to distance itself from Zuma’s tarnished reputation, but ultimately, they must confront the problem head-on. The longer Zuma’s influence and reputation are allowed to persist, the more damage will be inflicted upon the ANC’s political standing. It is critical for the party to address the issue decisively and expel Zuma, in order to demonstrate a commitment to ethical governance and regain public trust. The ANC cannot continue to evade the crucial step of cleansing the party of those who have compromised its integrity.
