Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s former president, stands on the brink of a historic expulsion from the African National Congress (ANC), a party he joined in the late 1950s. The 82-year-old politician faces disciplinary action for campaigning against the ANC with his newly formed MK Party in the recent national elections.
Zuma’s hearing, initially scheduled as a virtual meeting, has been postponed until next Tuesday following requests for an in-person, public proceeding. This development marks a significant turning point in Zuma’s tumultuous relationship with the ANC, which forced him to step down as president in 2018 amid corruption allegations.
The political landscape in South Africa has shifted dramatically, with Zuma’s MK Party securing a surprising 14% of the national vote in its debut election. This unexpected success contributed to the ANC losing its majority for the first time since 1994, resulting in a multi-party coalition government.
Despite facing multiple legal battles and being disqualified from standing for Parliament due to a previous prison sentence, Zuma remains a polarizing yet influential figure in South African politics. His ongoing feud with current President Cyril Ramaphosa and his refusal to join the new coalition government underscore the complex dynamics at play.
As South Africa prepares for a new parliamentary term, the outcome of Zuma’s disciplinary hearing could have far-reaching implications for both his political future and the country’s evolving political landscape.