South Africa’s Highest Court Blocks Former President Jacob Zuma from Running for Parliament
In a dramatic turn of events, South Africa’s Constitutional Court has dealt a major blow to former President Jacob Zuma’s political ambitions by barring him from running for parliament in the upcoming general election.
The court ruled that Zuma’s 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court automatically disqualifies him from seeking a seat in parliament. This decision stems from his refusal to testify at an inquiry probing corruption allegations during his presidency, which came to an end in 2018.
Despite his legal troubles, Zuma had been actively campaigning under the banner of the newly established uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, following his rift with the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Expressing disappointment with the court’s ruling, MK Secretary General Sihle Ngubane emphasized that Zuma remains the party’s leader and reassured supporters that the judgment would not impact their campaign efforts.
Interestingly, Zuma’s name will still appear on the ballot paper for the May 29th election, highlighting the complexities of South Africa’s electoral system where voters choose parties rather than individual candidates.
Outside the courtroom, jubilant MK members celebrated with singing and dancing, while inside, supporters clad in traditional Zulu attire observed the proceedings in silence as the verdict was delivered.
As of now, Zuma has refrained from commenting on the court’s decision, while ANC leader and President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the ruling during a radio interview, emphasizing respect for the judiciary as the ultimate arbiter of disputes.
The emergence of uMkhonto weSizwe as a political force has raised speculation about the ANC’s potential loss of parliamentary dominance for the first time since the dismantling of apartheid three decades ago.
Notably, uMkhonto weSizwe was the original name of the ANC’s armed wing that played a pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid. — BBC
