Africa’s oldest liberation movement, the African National Congress (ANC), has taken a decisive step by suspending former South African President Jacob Zuma after he launched a new political party.
Zuma, who served as the president of South Africa from 2009 to 2018, recently announced the formation of the “African Transformation Movement” (ATM) and stated that he would not vote for the ANC in the upcoming local elections. This move was met with swift action from the ANC, which has been grappling with internal divisions and declining support in recent years.
The decision to suspend Zuma signals a significant shift in the ANC’s approach to internal dissent and sends a clear message that the party remains united in its pursuit of political power. Zuma’s ousting from the party he once led reflects a growing discontent with his leadership and a desire to distance the ANC from his controversial legacy, which was marred by corruption allegations and economic mismanagement.
As South Africa prepares for local elections later this year, Zuma’s breakaway party could pose a threat to the ANC’s dominance in key regions. The ANC, which has been in power since the end of apartheid in 1994, is facing increased competition from opposition parties and needs to regain the trust of voters to maintain its political stronghold.
Zuma’s suspension is a bold move that underscores the ANC’s commitment to revitalizing its image and reclaiming its position as the dominant political force in South Africa. It remains to be seen how Zuma’s new party will impact the upcoming elections and whether the ANC can successfully navigate the challenges ahead. However, one thing is clear: the ANC is taking decisive action to secure its future in the face of internal and external threats.
