Jacob Zuma defies the ANC’s decision to expel him, threatening legal action while continuing to shape South Africa’s political landscape through his new party, uMkhonto We Sizwe (MK).
A Strategic Lawsuit Threatened
Former South African President Jacob Zuma has taken a bold step by challenging his expulsion from the African National Congress (ANC). His lawyers recently sent a letter demanding his reinstatement before the month’s end. According to the JG Zuma Foundation, failure to comply may force Zuma to pursue legal action to “protect his constitutional and contractual rights” as a loyal ANC member for 65 years.
Despite declaring his support for MK in 2023 and later leading the party to win a surprising 14% of the national vote in the May 2024 elections, Zuma has refused to formally resign from the ANC. The party, citing its strict rules against members campaigning for rival factions, expelled him two months later. His appeal was rejected in November 2024.
Controversial Timing and Accusations
Zuma’s timing in contesting his expulsion has drawn criticism. His announcement coincided with the ANC’s 113th anniversary celebration on January 8, 2025, an event held on Robben Island to honor its legacy. This maneuver, perceived by many as an attempt to overshadow the occasion, reignited tensions within the party. ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula described Zuma’s actions as “childish and calculated,” challenging him to take the matter to court.
The Rise of uMkhonto We Sizwe (MK)
Zuma’s new political platform, MK, has gained significant traction. Emerging from a modest launch in Soweto in December 2023, the party garnered widespread support in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Zuma’s home province, where it secured a decisive 14.58% share of the vote in the 2024 elections. MK’s branding, which draws from the historical imagery of the ANC’s militant past, resonates with its supporters’ call for a more radical political agenda.
Implications for South Africa’s Political Landscape
Zuma’s challenge has far-reaching implications. By positioning MK as a strong opposition force, he risks further fragmenting the ANC’s influence, especially as the party grapples with internal conflicts and a weakened voter base. Zuma’s narrative portrays the ANC under Cyril Ramaphosa as a “ghost” of its former self, selling out foundational principles for political expediency.
With local elections looming in 2026, Zuma’s legal and political maneuvers could shift South Africa’s balance of power, forcing the ANC to rethink its strategy. The case also underscores broader concerns about South Africa’s democratic resilience amid rising populist rhetoric and disillusionment with traditional political structures.
© 2025 – O Bulamba / ADR
