South Africa’s Ruling ANC Expels Former President Jacob Zuma
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the country, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has decided to expel former President Jacob Zuma for leading a rival group in the May elections. The decision was revealed in a leaked document dated July 29.
According to the document, Zuma was expelled from the ANC after being found guilty of breaching party rules by leading the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, which secured 14.5% of the votes in the May 29 elections. Zuma had been suspended by the ANC in January after endorsing the MK party.
Despite his expulsion, Zuma has the right to appeal to the National Disciplinary Committee within 21 days, the document states.
Zuma, who remains a popular figure in South Africa despite his troubled past, was the head of state from 2009 to 2018. His leadership was marked by controversy and scandals, including allegations of corruption and state capture.
The ANC’s decision to expel Zuma comes as the party faces its weakest performance in the May elections, receiving just 40% of the vote. The party has been in power since the end of apartheid in the 1990s.
The expulsion of Zuma is seen as a significant blow to his political ambitions, but it remains to be seen whether the move will have any lasting impact on the ANC’s fortunes.