South Africa's top court bars Jacob Zuma from running in general elections

South Africa's highest court said Jacob Zuma can't run in the upcoming elections. His party wants him back, but the court ruled he can't be a member of parliament because of his conviction. Zuma was found guilty of disrespecting the court and got a 15-month sentence. The court said the law doesn't allow someone sentenced to over 12 months in jail to be in parliament. The electoral commission won't reprint ballot papers, so Zuma's name will still be there. Zuma's party believes people will still vote for him. Zuma was the president from 2009 to 2018 and faced corruption accusations. He started a new party, MK, to challenge the ruling ANC. The ANC has been winning elections since South Africa became a democracy. Zuma's party is not expected to do well outside his home province. Zuma's supporters think the court's decision is wrong. Zuma can't be in parliament, but he can still lead his party and campaign for it. Zuma launched his party's manifesto in Johannesburg. He promised more jobs and better wages for black South Africans. Zuma, 82 years old, led a big rally where he spoke for over an hour. He was tired but energized the crowd. Zuma was the ANC leader before and now wants to challenge the current ANC leader in the elections. The court will decide if Zuma can run, but his supporters are determined to keep going. Zuma's party aims to change things. Supporters believe in him and want to see him succeed. Zuma's speech was in Zulu, the language of most of his supporters. Some people from different backgrounds also joined his party. The ANC, led by Nelson Mandela, has been ruling South Africa since 1994. But now, they face a tough election.