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, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), contributed to the ANC's significant loss in the recent parliamentary elections. ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula stated that Zuma's actions have undermined the party's integrity and are inconsistent with its constitution. The ANC's support plummeted from 57.5% in 2019 to just 40.2% in May, marking a historic loss of its parliamentary majority. 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 MK. The new party, which he now leads, garnered approximately 15% of the vote, playing a crucial role in the ANC's electoral decline. Mbalula emphasized that Zuma's conduct was irreconcilable with the ANC's principles, and he has been given 21 days to appeal the expulsion. The MK party has criticized the ANC's decision, claiming it reflects "grave injustices" against Zuma. The party aims to secure a two-thirds majority in future elections to amend the constitution, advocating for policies such as nationalizing banks and expropriating land without compensation. Zuma's political journey has been marred by scandals, including a state capture inquiry that implicated him in corrupt practices, further complicating his legacy within South African politics.