War is declared between former South African President Jacob Zuma and his party, the African National Congress (ANC). During a press conference, Jacob Zuma attacked the ruling party and its president, Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing it of being in the hands of “white capitalism” and saying he did not recognize his political family. He announces that he will not campaign for the ANC, nor vote for the party in the general elections which will take place next year.
1 min
With our correspondent in Johannesburg, Roman Song
Jacob Zuma never digested being pushed out of the presidency in 2018 after accusations of corruption. As a result, the ANC will have to face a new crisis as the country celebrates Reconciliation Day.
Jacob Zuma took advantage of this day to settle scores with his political family and the head of state. “ Ramaphosa’s ANC is the relay of white capitalism “, “ Ramaphosa’s ANC declared war on black professionals and intellectuals ” or ” campaigning for Ramaphosa’s ANC would be a betrayal “, did he declare.
Jacob Zuma is therefore calling for a vote for a new party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), which takes the name of the former armed wing of the ANC. Dissatisfied, the ruling party has already announced that it will take the matter to court to preserve this name which belongs to it.
This dissidence could subtract precious votes from the presidential party which risks losing the majority in the 2024 elections, which would be a first.
In his thirst for revenge against President Ramaphosa, Jacob Zuma is ready to weaken his own party which he nevertheless refuses to leave. He says he is leading a rescue mission for the ANC, through what looks more like a destabilization campaign.