Former President Jacob Zuma Expelled from ANC: A Look at the Political Turmoil in South Africa
In a significant move that has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s political landscape, the disciplinary committee of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has decided to expel former president Jacob Zuma. The decision, yet to be formally announced, stems from Zuma’s involvement in leading a rival political group into the May elections. This expulsion is detailed in a leaked document dated July 29, as reported by several media outlets and seen by AFP.
The Expulsion Decision
The disciplinary proceedings against Zuma, a still-popular figure within South African politics, were launched earlier this month. The leaked document states unequivocally, "The charged member is expelled from the ANC," and mentions that Zuma has the right to appeal the decision within 21 days to the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal. If the expulsion is upheld, it will result in Zuma’s termination from the party he joined as a teenager in 1959.
Context and Background
Jacob Zuma’s political trajectory has been nothing short of tumultuous. He was elected as South Africa’s president in 2009 but was forced out of office in 2018 amid numerous allegations of corruption. His presidency, which lasted nine years, was marred by scandals and accusations of state capture—a term used to describe a form of systemic political corruption in which private interests significantly influence a state’s decision-making processes to their own advantage.
The ANC’s decision to expel Zuma follows his endorsement of the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) in January. This move came a month after the ANC had already suspended him. MK made a notable entrance in the May 29 elections, securing third place with 14.5% of the vote, thereby capturing 58 seats in the 400-seat National Assembly. The ANC, by contrast, achieved only 40% of the vote—its weakest performance since coming to power in 1994, marking the end of apartheid.
Zuma’s Enduring Influence
Despite his legal troubles and the controversy surrounding his tenure, the 82-year-old Zuma continues to wield considerable influence within certain factions of the ANC. His charismatic and outspoken nature keeps him a significant figure in South African politics. Many had thought his political career would come to an abrupt end when he was sentenced to 15 months in prison in June 2021 for contempt of court after refusing to testify before a commission probing financial corruption and cronyism during his presidency.
Zuma’s imprisonment triggered widespread riots, causing the worst episode of violence South Africa had seen since the fall of apartheid, with over 350 fatalities. Despite being sentenced to 15 months, he spent only two months behind bars before being released on medical grounds. Subsequently, President Cyril Ramaphosa commuted his sentence.
The Road Ahead
A damning report released in 2022 concluded that Zuma had played a central role in South Africa’s state corruption, further tarnishing his legacy. With his expulsion from the ANC now a looming reality, barring a successful appeal, Zuma’s long and controversial journey with the party may finally reach its conclusion.
The decision to expel Zuma adds another layer of complexity to South Africa’s already volatile political climate. As the ANC grapples with internal divisions and the challenge of restoring public faith, the expulsion of a figure as polarizing as Jacob Zuma could serve either as a warning to other party members or as a further source of division within the party.
For more information on the ANC and its recent activities, you can visit their official website.
South Africa continues to watch closely as the story unfolds, understanding that Zuma’s appeal and the ANC’s next moves could reshape the nation’s political future.
