South Africa: Former President Jacob Zuma calls for a vote against his own party

War has been declared between former South African President Jacob Zuma and his party, the African National Congress (ANC). At a press conference, Jacob Zuma attacked the ruling party and its president, Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of being in the hands of "white capitalism" and saying he did not recognise his political family. He has announced that he will not campaign for the ANC or vote for the party in next year's general election.

The former South African president during a press conference on July 7, 2021 at his home in Nkandla. AP - Shiraaz Mohamed

By: RFI Follow

Advertising

Read More

With our correspondent in Johannesburg, Romain Chanson

Jacob Zuma has never digested being pushed out of the presidency in 2018 after corruption charges. As a result, the ANC will have to face a new crisis as the country celebrates Reconciliation Day.

Jacob Zuma, for his part, 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 has declared war on black professionals and intellectuals" and "campaigning for Ramaphosa's ANC would be a betrayal", he said.

Jacob Zuma is therefore calling for a vote for a new party, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), which takes the name of the former armed wing of the ANC. Disgruntled, the ruling party has already announced that it will take the case to court to preserve its name.

This dissent could take away valuable votes from the president's party, which risks losing its 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 refuses to leave. He says he is leading a rescue mission for the ANC, through what looks more like a destabilization campaign.

NewsletterGet all the latest international news straight to your inbox

Subscribe now

Keep up to date with all the latest international news by downloading the RFI app

Share:

Read on the same topics:

  • South Africa
  • Jacob Zuma
  • Cyril Ramaphosa