Axed MK Party Founder Praises ANC For Expelling Jacob Zuma, Plans Return

Zuma still carries considerable political clout in South Africa, even enjoying support within some factions of the ANC — AFP

Expelled Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party founder Jabulani Khumalo praised the African National Congress (ANC) for expelling former president Jacob Zuma and announced plans to return to the MK Party leadership.

This week, the ANC's National Disciplinary Committee decided to expel Zuma from the party, a decision confirmed by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The news of Zuma's expulsion was first leaked to the media on Sunday.

Zuma was expelled for misconduct after breaking the party's rules by supporting and voting for the MK Party. Khumalo said that he believes the ANC made a fair decision.

"I can't comment much on the issue because Zuma always said he is an ANC member and will die one, so I can't say much," Khumalo said, IOL reported. "But the ANC was fair in their decision. Nothing much."

During the media interaction, Khumalo was questioned about his plans to return to the MK party, to which he replied, "We are working with the legal team and once everything is finalized, we will go to court and settle the matter. After that, then I will be able to talk."

Khumalo, along with four other members, was fired from the MK Party in January. This decision followed a meeting where the party's leaders addressed efforts by outside forces to disrupt the organization.

At that time, the MK Party said the firing was meant to remove problematic elements from the party. The MK Party is now the third largest party in South Africa and in Parliament, following the national and provincial elections on May 29.

ANC announced last month that South Africa's new government includes five parties so far, adding that there are ongoing discussions with additional parties.

South Africa witnessed elections in May and ANC had to form alliances with other political parties as the party individually couldn't secure majority votes for the first time since the 1994 election that ended apartheid.

The ANC highlighted that the coalition now holds 273 seats in the 400-seat National Assembly, accounting for 68% of the total. In the recent election, the ANC secured 159 seats, making it the largest party.