Former African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma has launched a legal challenge against the ruling party and its current leader, President Cyril Ramaphosa, over the termination of his ANC membership.
Zuma, who now leads the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, was expelled from the ANC in July 2023 after endorsing a rival political party, a move that violated the ANC’s constitution. In a statement, Zuma confirmed that he has filed a court application seeking reinstatement.
Political Analyst Weighs In
Political analyst Professor Dirk Kotze provided insights into the unfolding developments, suggesting that Zuma’s legal bid is part of a broader strategy to delegitimize Ramaphosa’s leadership.
“This is another attempt by Zuma to assert his influence over the ANC’s identity,” Kotze said. “He wants to position himself as the custodian of what he considers the ‘authentic’ ANC, while challenging the current leadership.”
Kotze also noted the symbolic timing of Zuma’s announcement, coinciding with the anniversary of the Freedom Charter’s adoption on June 26, 1955. “Zuma is deeply aware of political symbolism, and this move aligns with his efforts to frame MK as the true inheritors of the ANC’s liberation legacy,” he explained.
Broader Political Tensions
The legal challenge comes amid heightened political tensions, particularly within the Government of National Unity (GNU). The Democratic Alliance (DA) recently removed its deputy minister of trade and industry, Andrew Whitfield, sparking a war of words with the ANC. DA leader John Steenhuisen has demanded that Ramaphosa fire ANC ministers implicated in corruption within 48 hours—a move Kotze described as a political power struggle rather than a genuine threat to the GNU’s stability.
Despite the friction, Kotze emphasized that the DA’s commitment to supporting the national budget indicates a reluctant but ongoing cooperation within the GNU.
Zuma’s Longstanding Feud with the ANC
This is not Zuma’s first attempt to challenge his expulsion. A previous legal bid was dismissed, but his persistence underscores his determination to remain a disruptive force in South African politics. Analysts suggest his actions are aimed at weakening Ramaphosa’s authority while bolstering the MK Party’s credibility ahead of future elections.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Zuma’s challenge gains traction—and what it means for the ANC’s internal cohesion in an already volatile political climate.
