MK leader Jacob Zuma votes in Nkandla

Supporters of Zuma’s party and those of the Inkatha Freedom Party and African National Congress came out in their numbers at the voting station in Nkandla.

The MK party leader was met by loud cheers from his supporters before casting his ballot.

In an exclusive interview on NewzRoom Afrika, which aired at the weekend, Zuma said he remained a member of the ANC despite forming and leading his political organisation, which is set to rival the governing party.

He dismissed claims by ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula that he had expelled himself by being a member of another party.

“I am a member of the ANC. They were saying that when they were still excited. I was supposed to go to them and discuss this thing for me to defend myself.”

Zuma was referring to the disciplinary hearing that was set to take place earlier this month at the ANC’s  Luthuli House headquarters.

When addressing thousands of supporters at the party’s manifesto launch, which took place at a packed Orlando Stadium, Zuma slammed his former party saying under the MK Party law and order would be restored.

The former president has repeatedly criticised South Africa’s constitution, saying it favoured only a select few.

Following the apex court’s ruling, which upheld the Electoral Commission’s decision to bar Zuma from contesting in the 29 May polls, Zuma reiterated his call to overhaul the Constitution.

Last week, the Constitutional Court ruled in favour of the Independent Electoral Commission’s challenge to Jacob Zuma’s eligibility to contest the elections.

ALSO READ: Zuma's party guns for ANC stronghold in SA vote

The apex court dismissed the Electoral Court’s earlier decision, clearing the former president’s candidacy for the upcoming national elections.

Following his 2021 contempt conviction and sentence, the court found Zuma may not be elected to the National Assembly until five years have passed since the completion of his sentence.

At the centre of the challenge is the interpretation of section 47 (1)(e) of the Constitution, which disqualifies anyone sentenced to 12 months in prison, without the option of paying a fine from being a member of the National Assembly.

In July 2021, the apex court convicted Zuma of contempt of court and sentenced him to 15 months’ imprisonment after he ignored a court order directing him to appear before the commission of inquiry into state capture. 

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