Former President Jacob Zuma Expelled from ANC Following Election Fallout

Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) after his support for a rival political party contributed to the ANC's loss of its parliamentary majority in the recent elections. The ANC stated that Zuma had undermined the party's integrity and campaigned against it while still claiming membership. This decision marks a significant shift for the ANC, which has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. Zuma, who served as president from 2009 until his resignation in 2018 amid corruption allegations, had previously been suspended from the ANC in January for endorsing the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. The MK party performed unexpectedly well in the elections, securing approximately 15% of the vote, which played a crucial role in the ANC's decline from 57.5% in 2019 to just over 40% in May. This loss has forced the ANC into a coalition government for the first time in its history. In response to his expulsion, the MK party criticized the ANC's decision-making process and described the treatment of Zuma as unjust. They announced that Zuma would consult with his legal team to explore potential actions against the expulsion. The ANC has granted Zuma 21 days to appeal the decision. Zuma's tenure was marred by numerous corruption scandals, and his relationship with the ANC has been strained since his departure as party leader. His ongoing conflict with current President Cyril Ramaphosa continues to shape South Africa's political landscape.