The African National Congress is preparing to take legal action against its former president, Jacob Zuma, over his claims that the party has been “captured” by external forces. The escalating conflict highlights deepening divisions within South Africa’s political landscape as the country approaches the 2026 national elections.
Zuma, who now leads the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has repeatedly alleged that the ANC was unduly influenced during its 2017 leadership conference where Cyril Ramaphosa narrowly defeated Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Zuma claims the election outcome was rigged through external interference.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has strongly denied these allegations, calling them “false, misleading, and damaging.” He stated that the party is prepared to go to court to protect its reputation and challenge Zuma to provide evidence for his claims. Mbalula emphasized that the 2017 conference followed the ANC’s constitutional processes.
This legal confrontation represents a significant deterioration in the relationship between the ANC and its former leader. Political analysts view the move as an attempt to counter Zuma’s growing influence through his MK Party, which has been gaining support in the key province of KwaZulu-Natal.
The outcome of this dispute could have substantial implications for the 2026 elections, potentially reshaping political alliances and voter perceptions in what may become one of South Africa’s most competitive electoral contests since the end of apartheid.