South Africa's Zuma sacked from ANC
Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been sacked from the African National Congress (ANC).
This follows his campaign for the rival party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), during the May 29 general election.
The ANC's disciplinary committee found Zuma guilty of "prejudicing the integrity" of the party and has given him three weeks to appeal.
"His platform is dangerous, appeals to extremist instincts in our body politic and riles up a political base that may foment social unrest," the ANC's statement was quoted by the BBC.
Zuma, 82, had been a longtime ANC member but fell out with the party after being forced to resign as president in 2018 over corruption scandals.
However, he denied any wrongdoing.
After forming MK, which now opposes the ANC-led government, Zuma was suspended in January.
MK which says Zuma was not informed about his expulsion criticised the disciplinary process, and likened it to a "kangaroo court".
The ANC's disciplinary hearing was held virtually, which Zuma refused to attend, insisting on being physically present.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said Zuma's request for a physical presence was rejected to prevent a rally atmosphere.
"Even when they [MK supporters] were told that the disciplinary hearing was virtual they still came here. So it tells you that Jacob Zuma wanted a movie," he was quoted.
Mr Mbalula denied that Mr Zuma had not been informed of his expulsion.
"[The] kangaroo court is that MK. Who are they to lecture people about a due process?," Mr Mbalula said.
South Africa's current President, Cyril Ramaphosa, replaced Zuma in 2018, vowing to clean up the government.
In the recent elections, the ANC had its worst result in 30 years, necessitating a coalition to retain power. MK emerged as the third-largest party, securing nearly 15% of the vote and 58 seats in parliament.
Zuma, barred from being an MP due to a previous prison sentence for contempt of court, now faces corruption charges over a 1999 arms deal. His arrest in 2021 triggered deadly riots. Zuma appointed an impeached ex-judge to lead MK in parliament.
