ANC and President Jacob Zuma
Opinion by Edgar Legoale – The African National Congress (ANC) should continue to ignore former President Jacob Zuma, much like the “bluetick” on Whatsapp. The ANC’s response to Zuma’s recent comments and actions should be similarly non-engaging. Giving attention to Zuma’s political agenda only plays into his hands and gives him leverage. This is more like a chess game to him.
Zuma’s recent announcement that he will be voting for the Umkhonto we Sizwe MK party in the upcoming 2024 election should not come as a surprise. This, in itself, should be seen as his voluntary resignation from the ANC, evidenced by the party’s Rule 25.5. Those stipulations make it clear that supporting or joining another political organization constitutes a breach of membership. By Zuma’s actions, he is effectively no longer part of the ANC.
🔴Zuma Encourages Verulam Residents to Support MK Party Over ANC🔴
Former President Jacob Zuma made a public appearance at Mzo's lifestyle in Verulam near Durban, urging attendees to vote for the newly unveiled MK Party instead of the ANC led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Zuma… pic.twitter.com/heIxg6XYjc
— Central News (@centralnewsza) December 26, 2023
In emphasizing Zuma’s irrelevance to the party’s future, it becomes clear that entertaining his media portrayal as a victim, should the ANC terminate his membership, is just playing into his hands – a tactic beneath the dignity of the ANC.
The ANC is not an individualistic organization but one larger than the sum of its parts, including its former presidents. The organization’s focus should be on electioneering and solidifying its position, rather than being distracted by trademark disputes or a former member’s unsanctioned campaigns.
Indeed, there are those within the public sphere and media calling for the party to expel Zuma. However, expelling someone who has, in effect, already left the party is an exercise in futility. Zuma has already taken a stance that contravenes the values and objectives of the ANC, a defiance that acts as a self-imposed exit from the party.
The sentiment that Zuma has discharged himself is not one without merit. The days when he was lauded by stalwarts such as Harry Gwala, Chris Hani, and Oliver Tambo have long passed. Now, President Zuma positions himself as an opponent of the ANC, seeking to destabilize the organization while paradoxically claiming an intent to rescue it. ZUMA IS NOW AN ENEMY!!!
Reflecting on Zuma’s presidency, it becomes evident that many of the issues he denounces were also present during his tenure. Under his watch, the seeds of corruption saw a bountiful harvest, with notorious figures such as the Guptas gaining undue influence. Issues like load shedding persisted, challenging the notion that Zuma could be the messianic figure he portrays himself to be.
Moreover, Zuma’s role in shaping the current ANC leadership cannot be ignored. His appointment of Cyril Ramaphosa as deputy president and his support of many of the current ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) members partly implicate him in the problems facing South Africa today. The schisms within the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) leading to the genesis of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) can also be traced back to the decisions made during his administration.
Former President Zuma’s departure from the ANC’s fold is, unfortunately, an ignominious moment that tarnishes the legacy of past leaders. His announcement is a betrayal of the same movement he once served as President. For the youth who have looked up to him, it’s a disillusioning turn of events.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s response to Zuma’s announcement was not necessary, stating that everyone is free to express themselves but also affirming the party’s preparedness to acknowledge Zuma’s decision at this time. However, the ANC must not entertain the matter moving forward. The party’s focus should be on addressing the challenges facing the country moving towards the 2024 National General Elections .
ZUMA HAS ALLOWED HIS SNOBBISH OFFSPRING TO ERASE HIS CREDENTIALS IN HALF AN HOUR