JOHANNESBURG, May 28 – Former South African President Jacob Zuma is making waves in the political scene six years after his ousting, supporting a new party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), against his former political home, the African National Congress (ANC), in the upcoming national election.
Despite being barred from parliamentary candidacy due to a jail sentence, the 82-year-old Zuma’s backing of MK has disrupted the political landscape. Opinion polls indicate MK’s support ranges between 8% and 14% nationally, challenging the ANC’s struggle to retain its majority amid declining popularity.
Zuma’s influence remains particularly strong in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, where his populist style and modest upbringing resonate with rural voters. This comes despite his controversial political career, including his presidency from 2009 to 2018, which was plagued by widespread corruption known as “state capture.” His tenure saw systemic corruption and economic stagnation, drawing criticism for deviating from Nelson Mandela’s vision of a “Rainbow Nation.”
An anti-apartheid veteran and Zulu traditionalist, Zuma served as deputy president from 1999 to 2005 under former President Thabo Mbeki. His career was marred by a graft trial over a $2 billion arms deal, with charges being dropped and reinstated multiple times amid claims of political interference. The case is set for trial next year.
In 2018, the ANC forced Zuma to resign. In a lengthy state broadcast, Zuma criticized the party for its handling of his departure. His post-presidency years have been turbulent, including a 15-month jail sentence in 2021 for contempt of court after he failed to appear at a corruption inquiry. Although released on medical parole after two months, his arrest triggered riots and looting that left over 300 people dead.
