Former South African President Jacob Zuma, whose MK Party made a surprising impact in the recent general elections, has taken a jibe at the ruling African National Congress (ANC) following its underwhelming performance.
Addressing supporters after the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) declared results, Zuma claimed the ANC was grappling with internal rifts stemming from its current leadership’s alleged ties with “oppressors.”
“It has never happened that a new political party performs better in elections than established political parties,” Zuma stated, an apparent reference to his MK Party securing 14.58% of the votes in its inaugural outing.
He then alleged, “I heard that they’re fighting on the other side. This is because their president wants to take them to our oppressors.”
While Zuma did not name anyone directly, his remarks seemed to allude to President Cyril Ramaphosa and accusations that his administration is too close to white minority interests.
The ANC’s 40.18% vote share was its worst electoral showing since the end of apartheid in 1994, falling well short of a parliamentary majority.
Zuma’s inflammatory rhetoric comes amidst an intense power struggle, with the ANC facing calls from opposition parties like the MK to oust Ramaphosa as a precondition for any coalition talks.
Political analysts suggest the former president is seeking to capitalize on the ANC’s vulnerability by portraying his party as the true voice of Black empowerment.
However, Zuma’s own tenure was marred by numerous corruption scandals before he was forced to resign in 2018 after losing the confidence of the ANC’s leadership.
As negotiations for a coalition government intensify, the former leader’s attack could further destabilize the ANC at a time when unity and pragmatism are sorely needed to resolve the political impasse.
However, some opposition parties, including Zuma’s MK party, have ruled out a coalition deal with the ANC unless it sacks Ramaphosa first.
With no party holding a majority, all eyes are on the moves of various factions within the fractured ruling party as it grapples with its biggest electoral crisis since taking the reins of power three decades ago.
