Former President Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC), the party he once led, following his suspension earlier this year.

The disciplinary action against Zuma began in mid-July after he formed the new political party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), which he endorsed after his ANC membership was suspended.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula criticized Zuma's actions, stating that his support for MK damaged the integrity of the ANC and conflicted with the party's constitution.

Zuma's MK party emerged as South Africa's third-largest party in the recent elections, securing 58 seats in parliament, while the ANC recorded its worst performance in three decades.

The ANC's decline in the elections was attributed to economic challenges, corruption scandals, and high unemployment rates, leading to a coalition government for the first time in 30 years.

Zuma's MK party aims to secure a two-thirds majority to implement significant changes, including nationalizing banks and expropriating land without compensation.

Zuma, who served as president from 2009 until his ousting in 2018 due to corruption allegations, remains a controversial figure with ongoing corruption charges related to a 1999 arms deal.

His 2021 sentencing to 15 months in prison for contempt of court ignited widespread unrest, resulting in over 350 deaths and significant looting across South Africa.

Despite multiple scandals and his expulsion from the ANC, Zuma continues to maintain a level of popularity and influence, particularly among certain factions within the ANC.

Following his expulsion, Zuma claimed he still considers himself a member of the ANC, despite leading the MK party and denouncing his former party.

In response to his expulsion, the MK party condemned the ANC's disciplinary process, labeling it a 'kangaroo court' and expressing support for Zuma.