Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC), the very party he once led, after aligning himself with a rival political faction during the 29 May general elections.

Zuma’s actions have been deemed to “prejudice the integrity” of the ANC, according to the party’s disciplinary committee, which found him guilty of supporting uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK). He has been granted a three-week period to appeal this ruling.

“His platform is dangerous, appeals to extremist instincts in our body politic, and riles up a political base that may foment social unrest,” read a statement from the ANC, reflecting the party’s serious concerns over Zuma’s recent political moves.

In contrast, MK has vehemently opposed the ANC’s decision, dismissing it as the result of a “kangaroo court” process.

Zuma, now 82, had a long history with the ANC but became a contentious figure after being ousted from the presidency in 2018 amid corruption scandals, which he has consistently denied.

Zuma’s suspension from the ANC in January marked the beginning of his formal estrangement from the party. This followed his creation of MK, which now sits as a parliamentary opposition to the ANC-led government.

In an official statement, MK expressed shock at the news of Zuma’s expulsion, criticizing the disciplinary process as unjust and conducted in his absence.

“It is a foundational legal principle that no person, not even those accused of a serious crime, should be punished or sentenced in their absence,” MK emphasized, underscoring their view that Zuma was denied a fair hearing.

The ANC’s disciplinary committee held a virtual hearing, which Zuma refused to attend, insisting on his physical presence.

This request was denied, with ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula explaining that Zuma’s desired attendance at the party’s headquarters was deemed a bid to stage a political rally.

“Even when they [MK supporters] were told that the disciplinary hearing was virtual, they still came here. So it tells you that Jacob Zuma wanted a movie,” Mbalula commented during a press conference confirming Zuma’s expulsion.

He also rejected claims that Zuma had not been informed of the proceedings, stating, “[The] kangaroo court is that MK. Who are they to lecture people about due process?”

ANC Faces Challenge Amid Internal Turmoil

The ANC, grappling with internal turmoil, now faces the unprecedented challenge of a former president actively campaigning against it.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded Zuma in 2018 with a pledge to cleanse the government of corruption, now presides over a party that has just endured its worst electoral performance in three decades.

The ANC’s recent election results forced it into a coalition to maintain power.

uMkhonto we Sizwe, meaning “spear of the nation,” capitalized on the ANC’s waning popularity to become the country’s third-largest party, capturing nearly 15% of the vote and securing 58 seats in the 400-member parliament.

This political shift saw MK rise as the official opposition, after the second-largest party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), opted to join the coalition government.

Despite his influential role, Zuma himself has been barred from serving as an MP due to a 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court in 2021.

His refusal to comply with a court order to testify before an inquiry into corruption during his presidency led to his incarceration and sparked the deadliest riots in South Africa since the end of apartheid, resulting in over 300 deaths.

Zuma still faces charges related to a 1999 arms deal and has controversially chosen an impeached ex-judge to lead MK in parliament.