Jacob Zuma Launches Rival Party, ANC Suspends Him

Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been suspended by the African National Congress (ANC) after launching his own party and refusing to vote for the ANC. The ANC, which has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid, made the decision to suspend Zuma due to his loyalty to corrupt associates and his involvement in major corruption allegations. Zuma’s new party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), shares a name with the ANC’s former armed wing, but it remains to be seen how much popular support it will gain. The suspension of Zuma is likely to impact the upcoming general election and potentially cost the ANC votes. However, Zuma still commands significant loyalty from certain segments of the population, as demonstrated by the riots that occurred when he was jailed for contempt of court in 2021. This year’s election is expected to be the most competitive since the ANC came to power in 1994, and the suspension of Zuma adds a new dimension to the political landscape in South Africa.