Former South African President Jacob Zuma Criticizes Disqualification from Upcoming Election

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — Former South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday criticized the country’s highest court and his former allies in the ruling African National Congress (ANC) over his disqualification from next week’s election, vowing to fight for his rights “in a disciplined way.”

Zuma’s comments were made in a video message addressed to the people of South Africa and released on social media, just six days before a potentially pivotal national vote. The 82-year-old former leader stated his intention to campaign against the ANC, which he once led, with his new political party, despite being barred from standing as a candidate for Parliament.

Zuma was disqualified on Monday by the Constitutional Court under a constitutional provision stating that anyone who has been given a prison sentence of 12 months or more without the option of a fine cannot stand for Parliament until five years after completing their sentence. In 2021, Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt by the same court for refusing to testify at an inquiry into corruption.

In his video message, Zuma cast himself as a victim of a biased legal system and urged South Africans to “take a stand to correct the wrongs of this country.” He emphasized his desire for peace, equality, and freedom, clarifying that his message was not a call for unrest. Nonetheless, his criticism of the highest court could be concerning for many South Africans who hold their constitution, which guarantees freedom and rights for people of all races post-apartheid, in high regard.

Referring to the Constitutional Court judges who ruled on his disqualification as “learned friends,” Zuma claimed they had restricted his freedom and democracy. “I’ve taken a decision that I will continue fighting ... in different ways to convince everyone that I am right. The learned friends are not,” Zuma said. “I will continue, in a disciplined way, to fight for my rights.”

Zuma’s options to appeal his disqualification are limited, as the Constitutional Court is the highest authority on constitutional matters. His unexpected return to politics late last year with his newly formed uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK Party) has shaken South African politics at a vulnerable time for the ANC. The long-ruling party, in power since the end of apartheid in 1994, risks losing its majority for the first time in this election.

Analysts expect Zuma’s new party to further erode the ANC’s declining support, posing another threat to its chances of maintaining a majority. Zuma has directed fierce criticism at current President Cyril Ramaphosa, who once served as his deputy president, increasing tensions around what is seen as the country’s most important election in 30 years.

South African authorities have learned to take Zuma’s influence seriously. His jailing in 2021 led to a week of rioting, looting, and arson, resulting in over 350 deaths and some of the worst violence the country has seen since the end of apartheid. As the nation approaches the upcoming election, Zuma’s actions and statements continue to reverberate, adding to the already high stakes.