Former president Jacob Zuma will make a renewed bid to retain his African National Congress (ANC) membership as he appeals his expulsion, following his endorsement of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), which he launched to contest South Africa’s upcoming national elections. Zuma, who was expelled in July after a suspension in January, will appeal the ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) decision in a virtual hearing on Friday, despite his request for a physical hearing.
The Jacob Zuma Foundation confirmed the appeal, which challenges both the NDC’s proceedings and its ruling, on Thursday. Zuma’s expulsion was based on a breach of Rule 25 in the ANC’s constitution, which prohibits members from supporting rival parties. His endorsement of MKP, which he officially launched on December 16, 2023, in Soweto, was viewed as a direct challenge to the ANC under President Cyril Ramaphosa.
During the MKP launch, Zuma voiced his disillusionment with the current ANC leadership, contrasting it with the values of former leaders such as Albert Luthuli, Oliver Tambo, and Nelson Mandela. “I cannot and will not campaign for the ANC of Ramaphosa,” Zuma stated, emphasizing his unwavering support for MKP but expressing his intent to “die an ANC member.”
Zuma’s appointed representative, Tony Yengeni, has filed preliminary objections and requested a public, in-person appeal hearing to address the expulsion’s procedural aspects before examining the appeal’s core arguments. The foundation’s statement hinted at possible legal objections concerning the disciplinary process, suggesting that Zuma is preparing to challenge not only the expulsion but also the ANC’s approach to it.
Meanwhile, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula stated earlier this week that Zuma remains a suspended member pending the appeal outcome. The dispute has stirred debate within the ANC and among Zuma’s supporters, revealing deep divisions over the direction of the party as the 2026 elections approach.
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