South African Former President Jacob Zuma Rejects ANC, Commits To Voting For New Political Entity

On Saturday, former President Jacob Zuma publicly disassociated himself from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, declaring his support for a recently established political entity in South Africa’s upcoming general election.

Zuma, who led the ANC from 2007 to 2017, announced his endorsement of the newly-formed Umkhonto we Sizwe party, named after the ANC’s defunct military wing. This armed wing played a pivotal role in the liberation struggle but was disbanded after achieving its objective.

At 81 years old, Zuma urged fellow South Africans to vote for the new formation, emphasizing that “voting for the ANC, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, would be considered a betrayal“. In his words, I’m calling members of the ANC, MK, to vote for MK. That’s what I’m calling for. I’m not going to vote for the ANC. I’m going to vote for MK.

The country’s upcoming general election in 2024 is anticipated to be fiercely contested, with the ANC facing numerous challenges. Recent polls suggest the ANC might secure less than 50% of the national vote for the first time, potentially necessitating a coalition government to retain power.

Addressing journalists in Johannesburg’s Soweto township, Zuma framed his decision as an attempt to rescue the ANC. Zuma, ousted as president by Ramaphosa in 2018 amid corruption allegations, has faced legal battles since leaving office. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison for defying a court order and has pleaded not guilty to corruption charges related to a 1999 arms procurement deal.

Facing competition from opposition parties like the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters, the ANC’s legal challenge against the use of the Umkhonto we Sizwe name by the new political formation adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding political landscape.