ANC says it cut losses with Zuma after failing to get through to him

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) said it decided to cut its losses with its former president Jacob Zuma after failing to get through to him.

Earlier on Monday, the party announced it had suspended Zuma’s membership.

It said he had violated the ANC’s constitution by openly campaigning for the newly formed uMkhonto Wesizwe Party.

On 16 December 2023, Zuma made a public announcement that he cannot under good conscience vote for the current ANC, which is led by Cyril Ramaphosa.

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ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the party’s leadership was shocked and surprised by Zuma’s utterances.

Mbalula said the party had to wait until the meeting of the national executive committee before deciding on Zuma.

"We have asked to see him, to engage with him to understand his frame of mind, his concerns, and so on. But we didn't get that opportunity."

Mbalula said there is no truth to media reports that Zuma has 48 hours to respond as his suspension does not require a response from him.