South Africa’s ANC suspends Ex-Prez Jacob Zuma

Former President Jacob Zuma of South Africa has been suspended by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) after endorsing another party in the upcoming general election. The ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, stated that those whose actions conflict with the party’s values will be expelled. This move is seen as a demonstration of further division within the party before the election, during which the ANC is projected to lose support. Zuma, who served as South Africa’s fourth president from 2009 to 2018, was forced to resign amidst corruption allegations and has since distanced himself from the ANC.

In December, he announced his intention to campaign for a new party called uMkhonto We Sizwe (MK) or Spear of the Nation, named after the ANC’s former armed wing during the anti-apartheid struggle. Mbalula also mentioned the possibility of lodging complaints with the electoral court to deregister the new party and reclaim the name through a trademark challenge.

Zuma has been given 48 hours to respond to his suspension, according to a report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation.