Jacob Zuma, the ex-leader of South Africa who resigned due to accusations of corruption, has stated that he will not support the African National Congress (ANC) in the upcoming 2024 national elections.
81-year-old Zuma expressed disapproval of President and ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa. The ANC, known for their role in the anti-apartheid movement, is experiencing a decline in popularity. Zuma stated that he intends to support a smaller, more radical left-wing party and will not promote the ANC during election campaigns.
He stated at a press conference that it would be disloyalty to advocate for Ramaphosa’s ANC.
Zuma criticized the demise of democratically elected institutions, the influence of money on voting, and the alleged fraudulent tampering of ANC conference resolutions.
According to him, there is a widespread belief that the ANC will not win the national election, breaking a streak that has lasted since 1994.
Zuma stated that he will cast his vote for the newly registered Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, which shares its name with the former military branch of the African National Congress (ANC).
From 2009 to 2018, Zuma served as the president and was later forced out of his position due to allegations of corruption. His deputy, Ramaphosa, assumed the role. Despite the scandal, Zuma remains a powerful figure within the party.
In June 2021, Zuma was given a 15-month prison sentence for refusing to testify in front of a panel investigating financial corruption and cronyism during his presidency. However, he was released on medical parole after only two months in prison.
The imprisonment caused demonstrations, riots, and thefts that resulted in over 350 deaths, making it the worst violence in the country since the end of apartheid.
The African National Congress is predicted to encounter intense competition in the elections from the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters. However, smaller parties and independent candidates may play a significant role in potential coalition talks.
The ANC announced this week that it plans to take legal action against the use of the name Umkhonto we Sizwe, which it claims belongs to the party.
Source: theguardian.com
