ANC suspends former President Jacob Zuma in South Africa

The African National Congress (ANC) has decided to suspend former President Jacob Zuma in South Africa, following his recent endorsement of another political party ahead of the upcoming general election. ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, stated that individuals like Zuma, who go against the party’s values and principles, will be removed from the ANC. This move highlights the growing disunity within the ANC as the general election approaches, with the party expected to experience a decline in support. Zuma, who served as South Africa’s president from 2009 to 2018, was ousted from office due to corruption allegations, resulting in his estrangement from the party. In December, he announced his intention to campaign for a new party called uMkhonto We Sizwe (MK), named after the ANC’s former armed wing during the fight against apartheid. Mbalula added that the ANC may lodge a complaint with the electoral court to have the new party deregistered, as well as pursue a trademark challenge to reclaim the name. Zuma has been given 48 hours to respond to his suspension, according to reports from the South African Broadcasting Corporation.