Jacob Zuma, the former president of South Africa, is fighting an unusual battle to remain an ANC member while leading a breakaway party, the uMkhonto (MK) weSizwe Party.
Officially expelled from the ANC in July for backing a rival party, Zuma still publicly claims he’s a loyal ANC member and vows to die as one. His stance has left many scratching their heads over this unprecedented show of dual loyalty.
The Formation of the MK Party
Zuma launched the MK Party in December 2023, directly opposing the ANC he once led. During its launch, Zuma didn’t mince words, expressing his disapproval of Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership. “I cannot and will not campaign for the ANC of Ramaphosa,” Zuma declared.
Despite forming a rival party, Zuma insists he’s still ANC at heart. His MK Party has gained significant traction, now ranking as the second-largest opposition party, a direct competitor to the ANC.
The ANC’s Response: Expulsion
The ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee found that Zuma breached Rule 25 of its constitution by openly endorsing the MK Party. The ruling led to his expulsion; a decision Zuma appealed. He demanded a public, physical hearing for his appeal, a request the ANC denied. His ally, Tony Yengeni, has described Zuma as someone who “will not give up easily,” insisting Zuma will fight his expulsion until the end, an effort he’s already begun by challenging the process itself.
An Odd Loyalty: Bread Buttered on Both Sides
In most fields, Zuma’s actions would be seen as a clear conflict of interest, akin to violating a non-compete clause. Yet, Zuma continues to assert his ANC loyalty while building an alternative power base with MK. This unusual arrangement raises questions about Zuma’s intentions.
Is he hedging his bets, using the ANC’s reputation while leading a party that directly competes with it? It can be argued that he still values the goodwill the ANC name holds, despite his public criticisms.
A Bizarre Paradox Only Zuma Could Pull Off
Zuma’s actions highlight the strange flexibility that South African politics allows. Imagine a corporate leader forming a rival company while demanding to keep privileges from the original one. Only in the political world could such a dual existence be entertained.
Even Zuma’s staunchest allies find his insistence on maintaining ANC ties perplexing. But Zuma seems to be sending a message: the ANC’s legacy is too powerful to abandon, even as he challenges its current leadership.
Potential Coalition Plans?
There’s always a possibility that Zuma’s loyalty to the ANC is part of a long-term plan. With the ANC losing its outright majority, Zuma could be keeping the door open for future coalition talks. In a political landscape where alliances are often fluid, Zuma’s MK Party could align with the ANC if the need arises. As the EFF’s influence wanes, Zuma’s endgame may be to position himself as the ANC’s backup plan, a way to remain politically relevant.
Zuma’s Political Strategy: Preparing for the Future?
Julius Malema’s comments suggest that Zuma may have other motivations. Malema claimed that prominent figures considered dissolving their parties to join an ANC-aligned coalition under Zuma’s leadership, reports the Daily Maverick.
Although Zuma’s MK Party is growing, he may see it as a temporary vehicle until he can once again merge with or rule the ANC. In this sense, his claim to ANC membership could be a strategic move, one that lets him straddle the line between rival and ally.
A Question of Principles or Practicality?
Zuma’s battle against his expulsion begs the question: Does he genuinely believe in the MK Party’s longevity? South Africa has seen breakaway parties like COPE and the EFF rise only to fade into obscurity. Zuma’s refusal to let go of the ANC suggests he’s not entirely confident in MK’s future. Does he see the ANC as his safety net? His persistent claims of ANC membership may signal doubt about MK’s survival in the rough waters of South African politics.
Zuma’s Next Move: ANC 2.0?
Zuma’s MK Party could be instrumental in a possible ANC renaissance; a platform to push policies he believes the current leadership has abandoned. However, it’s unclear if he’s building MK as a genuine alternative or as a bargaining chip for future ANC negotiations.
With the ANC and MK’s goals overlapping, could this all have been a coordinated scheme to form an “ANC 2.0” scenario, blurring the lines between loyalty and opposition in ways never seen before.
The Long Game: Is Zuma Betting on Future Coalitions?
Given South Africa’s volatile political alliances, Zuma’s continued connection to the ANC could pay off. Should the ANC seek a coalition in the future, Zuma’s dual loyalty might position him as an ideal partner. His MK Party could merge with the ANC, consolidating opposition support while preserving his influence. In a political climate where the ANC is slowly losing its dominance, Zuma’s strategy might be more calculated than it appears.
What This Means for the MK Party
Zuma’s insistence on remaining an ANC member sends mixed signals to MK Party supporters. By refusing to cut ties with the ANC, Zuma risks undermining his new party’s legitimacy. His apparent ambivalence raises questions about his commitment to the MK Party’s long-term vision.
Does he genuinely believe in MK’s future, or is it merely a platform to keep him in the game? For MK supporters, Zuma’s divided loyalty may signal that their leader’s heart still lies with the ANC.
A Political Balancing Act
Jacob Zuma’s attempt to straddle both the ANC and MK Party reveals the complex dynamics of South African politics. While other professions would quickly end such a conflict of interest, Zuma’s political manoeuvring is met with leniency.
His actions highlight a unique tension in South Africa: the pull of the ANC’s legacy versus the desire for a new political vision. Only time will tell if Zuma’s balancing act pays off, or if he’s left straddling two worlds without a firm footing in either.
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