Former president Jacob Zuma has spoken out about his experience at the last African National Congress (ANC) national conference, expressing deep frustration over his treatment and claiming the party has fundamentally changed.
Speaking at a recent public event, Zuma revealed that he attended the conference as an ordinary branch delegate, intending to raise critical issues facing the ANC. However, he alleges that his attempt to address the gathering was deliberately overlooked.
#MK Zuma: I went to the last ANC conference as a branch delegate,that conference sealed the fate that it’s no longer the ANC we know. When I raised my hand to speak , the National Chairperson didn’t even recognise or see me. I was prepared to speak and tell them everything. They…
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) April 27, 2025
“I went to the last ANC conference as a branch delegate. That conference sealed the fate that it’s no longer the ANC we know,” Zuma said. “When I raised my hand to speak, the National Chairperson didn’t even recognize or see me. I was prepared to speak and tell them everything. They denied me that opportunity.”
His remarks highlight growing tensions between him and the current ANC leadership, a divide that has become increasingly apparent in recent months.
Political analysts suggest Zuma’s statements could further deepen divisions within the ANC, particularly as the party prepares for the 2026 local government elections. Some interpret his comments as part of a wider effort to undermine the current leadership, while others believe he is articulating frustrations shared by many long-time ANC supporters.
Zuma’s criticism comes at a sensitive time, as he now leads the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party, which is positioning itself as a challenger to the ANC—especially in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.
The ANC has not yet issued an official response to Zuma’s latest claims. However, party insiders indicate that his criticisms are seen as a “deliberate strategy” to weaken the ANC’s unity.
With political tensions escalating and Zuma still commanding significant influence among certain ANC factions, his revelations about the conference could have long-term consequences for South Africa’s ruling party.