Jacob Zuma on ANC
TL;DR
Jacob Zuma's position on the ANC has shifted from leader to expelled member following his support for a rival party.
Key Points
He was elected President of the African National Congress (ANC) in December 2007 at the Polokwane conference.
The ANC National Executive Committee recalled him as President of South Africa in February 2018, leading to his resignation.
In December 2023, he announced he would not campaign for the ANC in the 2024 election, instead supporting the MK Party, which led to his formal expulsion in July 2024.
Summary
Jacob Zuma's relationship with the African National Congress (ANC) has dramatically deteriorated, evolving from holding the party's presidency to outright expulsion. He was elected president of the ANC in December 2007, succeeding Thabo Mbeki, and subsequently became President of South Africa in 2009, holding both positions until December 2017, when he was succeeded as ANC president by Cyril Ramaphosa. His tenure within the party leadership was marked by internal conflict, notably with Mbeki, and his presidency became increasingly defined by controversies such as the Nkandla scandal and state capture allegations. The most significant break occurred when he announced he would not campaign for the ANC in the 2024 general election, instead supporting the newly formed uMkhonto we Sizwe Party, which adopted the name of the ANC's military wing.
This overt backing of a rival organisation constituted the highest form of ill-discipline and an assault on the ANC's collective decisions and mission, leading to his suspension and eventual expulsion in July 2024. The party cited his actions as a direct contravention of the ANC Constitution, specifically for prejudicing the integrity and repute of the Organisation by collaborating with a non-alliance political party. Therefore, his current position is one of formal separation and opposition to the current leadership and direction of the African National Congress.
Key Quotes
I have therefore come to the decision to resign as President of the Republic with immediate effect. Even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organisation, I have always been a disciplined member of the ANC. As I leave I will continue to serve the people of South Africa as well as the ANC, the organisation I have served all my life. I will dedicate all of my energy to work towards the attainment of the policies of our organisation, in particular the radical economic transformation agenda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jacob Zuma's current position on the ANC is one of formal separation, as he was expelled from the party in July 2024. This followed his highly public decision to endorse and campaign for the rival uMkhonto We Sizwe Party ahead of the 2024 general election. The ANC viewed this action as a severe breach of discipline and an assault on the organisation's integrity.
Yes, Jacob Zuma's stance has dramatically changed from being the party's highest leader to being an expelled member. He served as ANC President from 2007 to 2017, aligning himself with the party's policies and leadership structures at that time. His later alignment with the MK Party represented a complete break from the organisation he had served for decades.
Jacob Zuma was expelled from the ANC for contravening party rules by acting in collaboration with the uMkhonto We Sizwe Party, which is not in alliance with the ANC. The party stated that this action prejudiced the integrity and repute of the ANC. The decision followed his public refusal to campaign for the Ramaphosa-led ANC in the 2024 elections.