In a dramatic twist that adds more tension to South Africa’s political landscape, former President Jacob Zuma is taking legal action against both President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC).
Zuma, now the leader of the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, is challenging the ANC’s decision to revoke his membership — a political relationship that dates back more than six decades.
Zuma Says His Expulsion Was Unlawful
Zuma isn’t just unhappy about being expelled — he’s calling the ANC’s move downright illegal.
His argument? That the ruling party acted unlawfully when they cut ties with him, ending his 65-year membership.
According to the MK Party’s national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhela, this legal challenge is deeply symbolic.
The court bid was intentionally launched on the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, a moment meant to remind the country of what the MK Party sees as a betrayal by the ANC.
Accusations of Selling Out to the Opposition
The MK Party isn’t holding back.
Ndhela accused the ANC of betraying its roots by forming a Government of National Unity (GNU) with opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Freedom Front Plus — parties the MK Party sees as ideologically incompatible.
Ndhela referred to the GNU as “a sell-out grand coalition with the right-wing,” claiming this alliance goes against the very principles the ANC was built on.
MK Party Backs Zuma’s Dual Membership Bid
Interestingly, Zuma isn’t looking to choose one party over the other — at least not yet.
The MK Party is fully behind his effort to hold dual membership with both MK and the ANC.
While that might seem unusual, MK says their constitution does allow it under “exceptional and strategic” situations, especially when alliances with other parties are involved.
Ndhela says this legal effort isn’t just about Zuma.
It’s about reuniting South Africans and moving closer to what the MK Party calls “total liberation” — including returning land to its rightful owners.
The ANC Explains Why Zuma Was Expelled
The ANC, on the other hand, sees things quite differently.
Last year, they made the decision to boot Zuma out of the party, arguing that his conduct was in direct violation of ANC discipline and values.
By forming a rival political party — MK — the ANC says Zuma effectively abandoned his duties as a former president and broke ranks with the organisation’s principles.
They felt his actions threatened the party’s unity and coherence, and that cutting ties was necessary to preserve its integrity.
Is Zuma Fighting for Justice — or Just Himself?
That’s the big question hanging in the air.
Is Jacob Zuma standing up for justice and democratic freedom? Or is this legal move more about clinging to power and rewriting his political legacy?
South Africans are split on the matter — and the court’s decision could reshape the future of both the ANC and the MK Party.