South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma has made a surprising return to the political scene by announcing his candidacy in the upcoming May elections, running against his former party, the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Zuma, who served as the country’s fourth president from 2009 to 2018, was compelled to step down amid a series of corruption allegations. Despite facing ongoing legal battles, including corruption charges, the 82-year-old politician has re-entered the political fray.
Initially jailed for contempt of court in 2021, Zuma was released after spending only two months behind bars due to health reasons, with his sentence later commuted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In recent months, Zuma has navigated legal challenges aimed at disqualifying the small party he has aligned with, the radical uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), to invalidate his candidacy.
Having announced his campaign under the MK party in December, Zuma aims to capitalize on his enduring popularity and has urged supporters to “take back the country.”
With South Africans set to vote for parliament on May 29, this election is anticipated to be the closest since the end of apartheid, potentially threatening the ANC’s longstanding majority and paving the way for a coalition government.
Recent polls indicate a decline in support for the ANC, with Zuma’s MK party projected to secure over eight percent of the vote. Zuma has intensified his criticism of the ANC leadership, branding them as “traitors” and positioning himself as a champion of change.
Despite his legal troubles and controversies, Zuma remains a polarizing figure with significant influence within the political landscape. His tenure as president was marked by economic challenges and allegations of corruption, which continue to overshadow his legacy.
Nevertheless, Zuma remains undeterred, known for his resilience and flamboyant persona. With a history of legal battles and political maneuvering, Zuma’s return to the political arena adds a new dimension to South Africa’s complex political landscape.
