In a public statement on Saturday, ex-President Jacob Zuma urged members of the African National Congress (ANC) to support Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). He affirmed his dedication to maintaining his membership in the ruling party, while also stating his intention to cast his vote for the recently established political entity in the upcoming national elections set for the following year.

By Staff Reporter

In a surprising turn of events, Jacob Zuma, the former president who was compelled to step down due to a series of corruption allegations, has made a significant announcement. Zuma has declared that he will not be casting his vote for the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party in the upcoming 2024 national elections.

The 81-year-old Zuma expressed his dissatisfaction with President and ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa. The ANC, a significant force in the anti-apartheid movement, is experiencing a decline in support. Zuma has declared his plan to support a small radical left-wing party in the upcoming election and will not participate in campaigning for the ANC.

The former President of South Africa, Zuma, aged 81, expressed his dissatisfaction with the current President and leader of the African National Congress (ANC), Cyril Ramaphosa describing him as a “proxy of white monopoly capital” and that the “ANC of Ramaphosa has declared war against progressive blacks and intellectuals”.

“I cannot and will not campaign for the ANC of Ramaphosa. My conscience will not allow me to lie to the people of South Africa and pretend that the ANC of Ramaphosa was the one of Luthuli,  Tambo and Mandela,” Zuma said.

The ANC, a prominent force in the anti-apartheid movement, is currently facing a decline in public support.

Zuma also announced his intention to support a small radical left-wing party in the upcoming election, dealing a blow to the ruling ANC. He further stated that he will not actively campaign for the party he once led.

A significant figure in South African politics, Zuma served as the president of the country from 2009 to 2018, despite facing numerous corruption allegations during his tenure. Despite this, he still holds influence within certain political circles. His decision to support a small radical left-wing party has raised questions and sparked speculation about his motives.

Zuma stated his intention to cast his vote in favour of the recently established Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, a small political entity that was officially registered this year and takes its name from the former armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).

The ANC announced earlier this week its intention to pursue legal action against the use of the name Umkhonto we Sizwe, asserting that it is the rightful property of the party.

In a statement that others considered incendiary, Zuma said: “The new people’s war starts today. The only crucial difference is instead of the bullet this time we will use the ballot.”

Some observers believe that this move is a calculated attempt to undermine the ANC, which has been dealing with internal divisions and declining popularity in recent years. By aligning himself with a more radical political faction, Zuma may be aiming to appeal to disillusioned voters who feel that the ANC has not adequately addressed the country’s socio-economic challenges.

“It would be a betrayal to campaign for the ANC of Ramaphosa,” he said in a statement read at a press conference held in Soweto on Saturday.

He expressed strong disapproval for what he characterised as “the death of democratically elected structures”, the “influence of money” on electoral outcomes, and the alleged fraudulent manipulation of decisions made at ANC conferences.