Jacob Zuma's MK - the political wildcard in South Africa's election - BBC News

The disgraced ex-president has ditched the ANC, spelling danger for the party that ended apartheid.

9 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsSouth Africa elections 2024Image source, Getty ImagesBy Farouk ChothiaBBC News, JohannesburgDespite being a disgraced former president who was sent to jail, Jacob Zuma is turning out to be the political wildcard in South Africa's election campaign.

This follows his dramatic decision to ditch the governing African National Congress (ANC) for the newly formed party uMkhonto we Sizwe, meaning Spear of the Nation.

The 81-year-old is leading its campaign in the 29 May general election, urging people to turn their backs on the ANC led by his successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

"Zuma is, as ever, playing a mischievous hand," political analyst Richard Calland told the BBC.

"He doesn't want power, but leverage in the ANC. He wants to dethrone Ramaphosa for a more pliable leader," he said.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-68536285

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