Former ANC and SA State President Jacob Zuma has made a surprising political move, officially parting ways with the ANC just months before the 2024 general elections. Speculations were rife about his next steps, but Zuma stunned the audience during his delayed press briefing by announcing his departure from the party he had led for many years.
The Birth of Umkhonto We Sizwe
Zuma revealed his new political venture, Umkhonto We Sizwe, a name with historical significance as the ANC’s former armed wing. He emphasized the need for ANC members and South Africans to take a stand, urging them not to accept the current status quo. Contrary to speculations linking him to the EFF, Zuma unveiled his own party, catching many off guard.
Standing alongside his daughter, Duduzile Zuma, the former President garnered support for his new party. He cited reasons for leaving the ANC, blaming the leadership under Cyril Ramaphosa for deviating from the interests of the people. Zuma expressed concern about the diminishing influence of traditional leaders in South African society, accusing the current government and ANC leadership of disrespecting them.
ANC’s Focus on Purging and Expelling Members
Zuma criticized the ANC’s current leadership for prioritizing the expulsion of dissenting members, neglecting the party’s backbone—the membership itself. The announcement did not catch the ANC entirely off guard, as Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula had hinted at legal challenges over the use of the party’s name by Zuma’s new political entity.
Zuma’s Party Already Registered with the IEC
During the announcement, Zuma confirmed that Umkhonto We Sizwe was already registered with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the upcoming general elections. Details about the party’s leadership will be disclosed later, with an interim structure being established to oversee party affairs at the provincial level, with Zuma as its leader.