Former president Jacob Zuma has been accused of “playing a deliberate political game” to disrupt the African National Congress (ANC) after making comments in Ghana that contradict South Africa’s official foreign policy.
Speaking at a university in Accra, Zuma criticized the ANC, stating he left the party because it no longer represented the aspirations of indigenous South Africans and was “selling out” its ancestors. He also challenged the ANC’s position on Western Sahara, advocating for closer ties with Morocco—a stance that conflicts with South Africa’s official policy.
Political analyst Theo Neethling said that while former presidents often travel internationally, Zuma’s pronouncements are problematic because they interfere with official foreign policy and can be interpreted as speaking on behalf of the nation. Neethling suggested Zuma is deliberately trying to discredit the ANC and advance his new MK party on the international stage, which could cause diplomatic confusion and embarrassment for the South African government.
This follows a recent controversial trip by Zuma to Morocco, where the South African flag was displayed, raising questions about his private diplomatic engagements. The MK party has defended his right to engage with other nations, even those with which South Africa has strained relations.