Does Zuma want back in?

Former South African President Jacob Zuma, now leading the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), has launched a High Court application challenging the African National Congress (ANC) and its president, Cyril Ramaphosa. According to Reuters, Zuma wants to overturn what he calls the ANC’s “unlawful” decision to terminate his 65-year-long membership.

Zuma was expelled in July 2024 after publicly forming and supporting MKP, which contested the 2024 elections — a move deemed a direct violation of party rules. The disciplinary tribunal’s process, Zuma claims, was a “kangaroo court” aimed at silencing dissent within the ANC.

MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela emphasized that the court action was symbolic, launched on the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter. He criticized the ANC’s new leadership as “sell‑outs and DA puppets,” stating:

“President Zuma is on record saying that his membership of the real ANC of Luthuli, Tambo and Mandela cannot be erased by sell‑outs and DA puppets like Ramaphosa and Mbalula.”

Zuma argues the ANC’s move is politically motivated, meant to cut off any internal challenge to Ramaphosa’s authority. He insists staying within the ANC is essential if he ever intends to “rescue it”—pointing to a dual-membership strategy supported by MKP’s constitution for “exceptional circumstances.”