JOHANNESBURG – Dr. Zamani Saul, the chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) in the Northern Cape, has asserted that former president Jacob Zuma poses no significant threat to the party in the upcoming general elections.
Saul’s comments come in response to the announcement of a mass meeting organized by the newly established Umkhonto weSizwe party, featuring Zuma, coinciding with the ANC’s 112th January 8 celebrations in Mpumalanga.
Saul, who previously labeled Zuma as a spent force, reiterated his stance, dismissing the impact of the Umkhonto weSizwe party on the African National Congress’ electoral prospects:
“And it’s just a mere exaggeration of what we are getting around the MK party. I don’t think it will make any major impact for the 2024 elections.”
As the ruling party’s national executive gathers for its first meeting of the year in Mpumalanga, the party faces internal divisions over how to handle Zuma’s involvement with the rival party.
Some suggest ignoring Zuma, while others advocate for his expulsion from the revolutionary party.
The announcement of Zuma’s participation in the Umkhonto weSizwe event has fueled speculation about potential challenges and distractions as the ANC commemorates its 112th anniversary.
Zuma, who served two terms as president, has faced criticism from former allies within the African National Congress, with accusations that he is undermining the organization.
Despite the internal strife, Saul remains focused on the ruling party’s preparation for the 2024 elections, downplaying the perceived threat from Zuma and the Umkhonto weSizwe party.
The ANC’s national executive is expected to address the Zuma challenge during its discussions, but the party remains determined to celebrate its historic anniversary and mark 30 years of democratic rule in South Africa.
