Former President Jacob Zuma has launched a legal challenge against the African National Congress (ANC) in the Gauteng High Court, seeking to overturn the party's decision to expel him from its ranks.
In court papers filed on Thursday, Zuma argues that the ANC's move to terminate his membership, under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, was unlawful and procedurally flawed. He maintains that his expulsion is invalid and insists that his 65-year-long membership remains intact.
Zuma was expelled from the ANC late last year following internal disciplinary proceedings. In response, he served the party with a letter of demand in January, calling for the decision to be reversed.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which Zuma currently leads, has thrown its full support behind him. The party says his legal challenge could open the door for dual political membership, which it claims is permitted under its constitution in “exceptional and strategic circumstances.”
The matter is expected to reignite tensions within the ANC as Zuma attempts to legally reclaim his long-standing membership while maintaining leadership of a rival party.