The African National Congress (ANC) has affirmed its decision to expel former leader Jacob Zuma, rejecting his appeal to overturn the expulsion. The party had expelled Zuma in July for establishing a rival political party, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), which had challenged the ANC during the general elections in May. He appealed his expulsion last month and demanded to defend himself in person rather than over a virtual call. He also requested that the party make its internal disciplinary processes public. However, the ANC declined both requests and upheld his expulsion from the party. In a statement revealing its decision, the ANC criticized Zuma’s actions, stating it undermined the party’s efforts to renew itself. The ANC then accused him of disloyalty and condemned his behavior as “the highest form of ill-discipline.” Despite being a formal ANC member, Zuma had campaigned for MK, helping the newly formed party win 58 parliamentary seats.
SOURCE: NEW YORK TIMES
