Jacob Zuma Faces ANC Disciplinary Hearing Amid Political Upheaval

Former South African President Jacob Zuma faces a disciplinary hearing by the African National Congress (ANC) after campaigning against the party in the May elections. Zuma, who was expelled from the ANC in January, leads the new MK Party, which secured 14% of the vote, upsetting the political landscape.

Former South African President Jacob Zuma is set to face a disciplinary hearing with the African National Congress (ANC) after campaigning for a newly-formed political party in the May elections.

The hearing may result in Zuma, 82, being expelled from the ANC, which he has been a member of since the late 1950s, initially fighting against apartheid.

Zuma was ousted as South African president in 2018 amid corruption allegations and has since been at odds with his successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa. He announced his role in the MK Party in December and has been critical of Ramaphosa, accusing him of treason.

The ANC suspended Zuma in January for attacking the party's integrity. The hearing will determine the future of his membership.

MK Party won 14% of the vote on May 29, causing the ANC to lose its majority. The election outcome led to a multi-party coalition government, with MK becoming the official opposition as the third-largest party in Parliament.

The vote indicated Zuma's continued popularity despite his legal challenges. Sentenced to prison in 2021 for contempt of court, Zuma faces another trial next year for corruption allegations. Despite being barred from a parliamentary seat, he remains the leader of MK Party.

(With inputs from agencies.)