In a bold departure from his ANC roots, former President Jacob Zuma has declared his allegiance to the newly-forged Umkhonto we Sizwe party, set to shake up the South African political landscape ahead of the 2024 general election. Zuma, a pivotal figure in the ANC from 2007 to 2017, urged fellow South Africans to join him in embracing this fresh political force, dismissing the ANC led by President Cyril Ramaphosa as a "betrayal."
The looming 2024 election is poised to be a battleground, with the ANC facing unprecedented challenges after over two decades of governance. Recent polls hint at a potential shift, suggesting the ANC might fall below the 50% mark for the first time, necessitating coalition strategies to retain power.
Speaking passionately in Soweto, Zuma framed his decision as a salvaging mission for the ANC. Ousted in 2018 amid corruption allegations, Zuma is now a vocal advocate for Umkhonto we Sizwe, a party named after the ANC's disbanded military wing.
Zuma's tumultuous post-presidential journey includes a 15-month prison sentence and a protracted trial linked to the 1999 arms deal.
As he navigates legal battles, the ANC, sensing a threat, has indicated plans to legally contest Umkhonto we Sizwe's use of its name.
As South Africa braces for a political upheaval, Zuma's defection adds a layer of intrigue to the evolving narrative, setting the stage for a dynamic electoral showdown.