South Africa's ruling ANC was on track Friday to score its worst electoral result ever, with the latest tallies showing voters deserted the party in droves and ended its 30-year political dominance.

The African National Congress (ANC) is now all but certain to fall below 50 percent of the vote, forcing the party to seek a coalition partner to have enough backing to name a president and form a government.

This marks an historic evolution in the country's democratic journey, as the party has enjoyed an absolute parliamentary majority since 1994, when its then leader Nelson Mandela led the nation out of white minority rule and into democracy.

With more than two thirds of the votes cast in Wednesday's general election counted, the ANC remained in the lead but with a score below 42 percent, compared to the 57 percent it won in 2019 and far off the 62 percent secured by Mandela in 1994.

As votes continued to be validated, data from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) showed the centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA) held second place with 22.64 percent.

But it was not a surge by the DA that cut into the ANC's vote share.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/early-results-indicate-anc-losing-majority-in-south-africas-election-727076">South Africa: Early results indicate ANC losing majority in election</a>

In third place was former president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) on 12 percent, a surprise score for a party founded barely six months ago as a vehicle for the former ANC chief. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The final results are expected at the weekend, but with the trends clear and the votes stacking up on the IEC website, politicians and pundits were turning their attention to the prospects of an ANC-led coalition.

<h2>Right or left?&nbsp;</h2>

The ANC has dominated South Africa's democracy with an unbroken run of five presidents from the party, but if the latest, President Cyril Ramaphosa, is to remain at the helm he will have to decide whether to seek allies on his right or his left.

There will be resistance within his movement to a tie-up with the second-placed DA, under white politician John Steenhuisen, whose pro-free market programme of privatisation and an end to black economic empowerment programmes is at odds with the ruling party's traditions. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

But there will also be reluctance to invite Zuma, who left government facing a raft of corruption allegations, or firebrand Julius Malema's radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) into government after both fought bitter campaigns against their former party. &nbsp;

<h2>'Unpredictable partners'&nbsp;</h2>

The ANC retains the loyalty of many voters for its leading role in overthrowing white minority rule and its progressive social welfare and black economic empowerment policies are credited by supporters with helping millions of black families out of poverty.

But over, three decades of almost unchallenged rule, its leadership has been implicated in a series of large-scale corruption scandals, while the continent's most industrialised economy has languished and crime and unemployment figures have hit record highs.

Some experts expect the party to patch up ties with one or both of the radical left groups, especially as the Zuma's MK has stormed to victory in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Watch:&nbsp;South Africa Elections 2024: Early results show ANC losing majority

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"The MK has really eaten into the ANC's vote," Siphamandla Zondi, a politics professor from the University of Johannesburg, told AFP.

Others, like analyst and author Susan Booysen, said the rift between Ramaphosa and Zuma -- who has long been bitter about the way he was forced out of office in 2018 -- was "too far reaching" to mend.

The ANC might instead prefer the centre-right DA, which pledged to "rescue South Africa" through better governance, free market reforms and privatisations, to the leftist EFF, which is perceived as "too erratic" and "unpredictable" in its demands, she added.

But another outside observer, political analyst and business leader Sandile Swana, argued that Ramaphosa's authority had take such a beating in the election that he would not be able to push reluctant party bigwigs to accept a DA alliance. "His power is gone within the ANC," he said.

South Africa's ruling ANC was on track Friday to score its worst electoral result ever, with the latest tallies showing voters deserted the party in droves and ended its 30-year political dominance.

South Africa's ruling ANC was on track Friday to score its worst electoral result ever, with the latest tallies showing voters deserted the party in droves and ended its 30-year political dominance. The African National Congress (ANC) is now all but certain to fall below 50 percent of the vote, forcing the party to seek a coalition partner to have enough backing to name a president and form a government. This marks an historic evolution in the country's democratic journey, as the party has enjoyed an absolute parliamentary majority since 1994, when its then leader Nelson Mandela led the nation out of white minority rule and into democracy. With more than two thirds of the votes cast in Wednesday's general election counted, the ANC remained in the lead but with a score below 42 percent, compared to the 57 percent it won in 2019 and far off the 62 percent secured by Mandela in 1994. As votes continued to be validated, data from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) showed the centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA) held second place with 22.64 percent. But it was not a surge by the DA that cut into the ANC's vote share. Also Read: South Africa: Early results indicate ANC losing majority in election In third place was former president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) on 12 percent, a surprise score for a party founded barely six months ago as a vehicle for the former ANC chief. The final results are expected at the weekend, but with the trends clear and the votes stacking up on the IEC website, politicians and pundits were turning their attention to the prospects of an ANC-led coalition. Right or left? The ANC has dominated South Africa's democracy with an unbroken run of five presidents from the party, but if the latest, President Cyril Ramaphosa, is to remain at the helm he will have to decide whether to seek allies on his right or his left. There will be resistance within his movement to a tie-up with the second-placed DA, under white politician John Steenhuisen, whose pro-free market programme of privatisation and an end to black economic empowerment programmes is at odds with the ruling party's traditions. But there will also be reluctance to invite Zuma, who left government facing a raft of corruption allegations, or firebrand Julius Malema's radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) into government after both fought bitter campaigns against their former party. 'Unpredictable partners' The ANC retains the loyalty of many voters for its leading role in overthrowing white minority rule and its progressive social welfare and black economic empowerment policies are credited by supporters with helping millions of black families out of poverty. But over, three decades of almost unchallenged rule, its leadership has been implicated in a series of large-scale corruption scandals, while the continent's most industrialised economy has languished and crime and unemployment figures have hit record highs. Some experts expect the party to patch up ties with one or both of the radical left groups, especially as the Zuma's MK has stormed to victory in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. Watch: South Africa Elections 2024: Early results show ANC losing majority "The MK has really eaten into the ANC's vote," Siphamandla Zondi, a politics professor from the University of Johannesburg, told AFP. Others, like analyst and author Susan Booysen, said the rift between Ramaphosa and Zuma -- who has long been bitter about the way he was forced out of office in 2018 -- was "too far reaching" to mend. The ANC might instead prefer the centre-right DA, which pledged to "rescue South Africa" through better governance, free market reforms and privatisations, to the leftist EFF, which is perceived as "too erratic" and "unpredictable" in its demands, she added. But another outside observer, political analyst and business leader Sandile Swana, argued that Ramaphosa's authority had take such a beating in the election that he would not be able to push reluctant party bigwigs to accept a DA alliance. "His power is gone within the ANC," he said.

South Africa set for political shake-up as ANC loses majority

Partial results from South Africa's national election indicated that the African National Congress was on way to lose the parliamentary majority it has held for 30 years, marking the most dramatic political shift since the end of apartheid.

With results in from 11.3% of polling stations, the ANC's share of the vote in Wednesday's election stood at 42.8%, with the pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA) on 25.6% and the Marxist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on 8.3%, revealed&nbsp;data from the electoral commission.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africans-vote-with-anc-rule-in-balance-726629" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africans-vote-with-anc-rule-in-balance-726629&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigqsXTjrWGAxWe6jgGHfJdAN04ChAWegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2lpgFX1sHWek1GuXXYfirw&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africans-vote-with-anc-rule-in-balance-726629" target="_blank">South Africans&nbsp;vote with ANC rule in balance</a>

If the final results mirror the early indications, the ANC would be compelled to form a coalition with one or more parties to govern, potentially leading to unprecedented political volatility in the coming weeks or months.

The South African rand fell 1% against the US dollar in early Johannesburg trade on Thursday (May 30), hitting its weakest in four weeks.

As the early results predicted, the ANC is projected to have roughly 42% of the vote when the count is over, according to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research which was providing projections to the state broadcaster SABC.

In 2019 elections, the ANC won 57.5% of the vote, while 20.8% went to&nbsp;DA and 10.8% to&nbsp;EFF, on a turnout of 66%&nbsp;registered voters.

<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-elections-will-this-be-the-ancs-30-year-rule-726826" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-elections-will-this-be-the-ancs-30-year-rule-726826&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwja2uHhjrWGAxWiyDgGHemgDTQQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hIGBHlwNljkglZDHTge8A&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-elections-will-this-be-the-ancs-30-year-rule-726826" target="_blank">South Africa&nbsp;Elections: Will this be the ANC's 30 year rule?</a>

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Under South Africa's constitution, the newly elected National Assembly will elect the next president. 
ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to remain as the country's president, although a poor showing could make him vulnerable to a leadership challenge from within party ranks.

The ANC has secured victory in every national election held every five years since the landmark 1994 election, which marked the end of apartheid and Nelson Mandela's ascent to the presidency.

But since then, the ANC's support has declined because of disillusionment over issues such as high unemployment and crime, frequent power blackouts and corruption.

<h2>The Zuma Factor</h2>

In KwaZulu-Natal, a populous eastern province, a new party led by former president Jacob Zuma, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), was performing strongly, with 42.3% of the vote versus 20.1% for the ANC.

It may be noted here, Zuma was asked to quit as president in 2018 after a series of scandals and has since fallen out with the ANC leadership.

As per the law, the electoral commission has seven days to declare full results, but in practice it is usually faster than that. In the last election, in 2019, voting took place on a Wednesday like this year and final results came on the Saturday.

The new parliament must convene within 14 days of final results being declared and its first act must be to elect the nation's president.

(With inputs from agencies)

Partial results from South Africa's national election indicated that the African National Congress was on way to lose the parliamentary majority it has held for 30 years, marking the most dramatic political shift since the end of apartheid.

Partial results from South Africa's national election indicated that the African National Congress was on way to lose the parliamentary majority it has held for 30 years, marking the most dramatic political shift since the end of apartheid. With results in from 11.3% of polling stations, the ANC's share of the vote in Wednesday's election stood at 42.8%, with the pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA) on 25.6% and the Marxist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on 8.3%, revealed data from the electoral commission. Also read: South Africans vote with ANC rule in balance If the final results mirror the early indications, the ANC would be compelled to form a coalition with one or more parties to govern, potentially leading to unprecedented political volatility in the coming weeks or months. The South African rand fell 1% against the US dollar in early Johannesburg trade on Thursday (May 30), hitting its weakest in four weeks. As the early results predicted, the ANC is projected to have roughly 42% of the vote when the count is over, according to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research which was providing projections to the state broadcaster SABC. In 2019 elections, the ANC won 57.5% of the vote, while 20.8% went to DA and 10.8% to EFF, on a turnout of 66% registered voters. South Africa Elections: Will this be the ANC's 30 year rule? × Under South Africa's constitution, the newly elected National Assembly will elect the next president. ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to remain as the country's president, although a poor showing could make him vulnerable to a leadership challenge from within party ranks. The ANC has secured victory in every national election held every five years since the landmark 1994 election, which marked the end of apartheid and Nelson Mandela's ascent to the presidency. But since then, the ANC's support has declined because of disillusionment over issues such as high unemployment and crime, frequent power blackouts and corruption. The Zuma Factor In KwaZulu-Natal, a populous eastern province, a new party led by former president Jacob Zuma, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), was performing strongly, with 42.3% of the vote versus 20.1% for the ANC. It may be noted here, Zuma was asked to quit as president in 2018 after a series of scandals and has since fallen out with the ANC leadership. As per the law, the electoral commission has seven days to declare full results, but in practice it is usually faster than that. In the last election, in 2019, voting took place on a Wednesday like this year and final results came on the Saturday. The new parliament must convene within 14 days of final results being declared and its first act must be to elect the nation's president. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa: Early results indicate ANC losing majority in election

With less than a week left for the elections in South Africa and the runup to these crucial polls, experts and voters weigh in on the political future of the ruling African National Congress.

Who will be South Africa's next President? ANC to face its toughest election yet

South Africa Elections: ANC to face its toughest election yet

South Africa Elections 2024: Is ANC's anti-apartheid legacy fading?

South Africa Elections 2024: Experts, polls say ANC may lose two-third majority

The most crucial South African election in decades is already changing the country's financial markets, with money pouring in amid speculation that the African National Congress (ANC) will win enough votes to avoid less market-friendly policies from left-leaning coalition partners.

South African bonds received the most cash in April since Bloomberg began tracking the data in 2019, and the trend has continued into May. Stocks are at a 15-month high, and the rand is one of just five emerging-market currencies to strengthen this year.

South Africa represents a recovery tale for bullish investors. Foreign investors withdrew $50 billion during the last decade as the country struggled with power outages, corruption, and economic stagnation. Some investors, however, believe there will be a reversal.

"International equity investors are largely underweight South Africa, so their biggest risk is a positive election result driving a stronger currency and a re-rating of both our equity and bond markets," said Peter Brooke, a portfolio manager at Old Mutual Investment Group Ltd. "The low positioning and cheap assets could make this an explosive rally."

Elections around the world have had an impact on the markets. In 2023, pro-market governments in Greece and Argentina implemented economic reforms, resulting in huge returns, with an MSCI gauge of Greek shares rising 48 per cent and Argentina's index rising 67 per cent in dollar terms. South African equities have historically performed strongly after elections, with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. experts, including Sunil Koul, predicting that "election relief" might support domestic-focused companies, particularly domestic cyclicals, and banks.

However, scepticism prevails. "Those who have been disappointed have the memory of an elephant," stated Derrick Msibi, CEO of Stanlib Asset Management Ltd. "They never forget or easily relinquish their reservations, demanding compelling evidence of change." Last year, South Africa experienced a confidence crisis, with the rand falling to historic lows and bond yields rising. Nonetheless, the electricity supply has stabilised, and the government is poised to produce its first main budget surplus in 15 years.

JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. strategist David Aserkoff expressed cautious optimism, saying: "We anticipate that growth picks up, local bond yields fall, and the rand remains stable. If that happens, we are convinced that South Africa will significantly outperform emerging markets, reversing the previous decade's direction."

According to opinion polls, the ANC could lose its majority for the first time since 1994 in the May 29 election. However, fears of forming a government with communist parties have subsided. "Our base case remains that the ANC wins this election outright with an overall majority," said Standard Chartered Bank's head of research, Razia Khan. "If that doesn't happen, we still think it's a likely coalition with relatively benign, relatively centrist coalition partners."

The Democratic Alliance, the populist Economic Freedom Fighters, and the newly created uMkhonto weSizwe, led by former President Jacob Zuma, who is facing corruption charges, are all expected to receive large votes outside of the ANC. UBS Group AG strategists, including Manik Narain, believe local stocks may rise by 17 per cent if the ANC and the DA form a partnership.

The election premium on bonds is also decreasing. Local currency debt, which underperformed emerging markets earlier in 2024, has risen to the top ten this quarter, delivering investors a 6.3 per cent return in dollar terms. Citigroup Inc. strategists, including Bhumika Gupta, have switched overweight on the debt, expecting more inflows.

"The danger of the ANC having to team up with the EFF post-election has led to considerable underperformance in South African bond and credit markets in recent months," said Roger Mark, an emerging-markets fixed-income analyst at Ninety One." "Because we view this scenario as a tail risk only, we are turning increasingly constructive on the country's assets."

In April, Credit Agricole SA went long the rand against the dollar, with a target price of 18.60 rand per dollar. The currency has already risen above this, trading at about 18.20 on Friday. Cumesh Moodliar, CEO of Investec South Africa, stated that investors want to see sustained improvements in state-owned enterprises and important institutions, as well as successful prosecutions of individuals involved in corruption.

"None of these are out of reach of the government," Moodliar stated. "A concerted effort to follow through is probably the first requirement to rebuild confidence."

(With inputs from Bloomberg)

The most crucial South African election in decades is already changing the country's financial markets, with money pouring in amid speculation that the African National Congress (ANC) will win enough votes to avoid less market-friendly policies from left-leaning coalition partners.

The most crucial South African election in decades is already changing the country's financial markets, with money pouring in amid speculation that the African National Congress (ANC) will win enough votes to avoid less market-friendly policies from left-leaning coalition partners. South African bonds received the most cash in April since Bloomberg began tracking the data in 2019, and the trend has continued into May. Stocks are at a 15-month high, and the rand is one of just five emerging-market currencies to strengthen this year. South Africa represents a recovery tale for bullish investors. Foreign investors withdrew $50 billion during the last decade as the country struggled with power outages, corruption, and economic stagnation. Some investors, however, believe there will be a reversal. "International equity investors are largely underweight South Africa, so their biggest risk is a positive election result driving a stronger currency and a re-rating of both our equity and bond markets," said Peter Brooke, a portfolio manager at Old Mutual Investment Group Ltd. "The low positioning and cheap assets could make this an explosive rally." Elections around the world have had an impact on the markets. In 2023, pro-market governments in Greece and Argentina implemented economic reforms, resulting in huge returns, with an MSCI gauge of Greek shares rising 48 per cent and Argentina's index rising 67 per cent in dollar terms. South African equities have historically performed strongly after elections, with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. experts, including Sunil Koul, predicting that "election relief" might support domestic-focused companies, particularly domestic cyclicals, and banks. However, scepticism prevails. "Those who have been disappointed have the memory of an elephant," stated Derrick Msibi, CEO of Stanlib Asset Management Ltd. "They never forget or easily relinquish their reservations, demanding compelling evidence of change." Last year, South Africa experienced a confidence crisis, with the rand falling to historic lows and bond yields rising. Nonetheless, the electricity supply has stabilised, and the government is poised to produce its first main budget surplus in 15 years. JPMorgan Chase & Co. strategist David Aserkoff expressed cautious optimism, saying: "We anticipate that growth picks up, local bond yields fall, and the rand remains stable. If that happens, we are convinced that South Africa will significantly outperform emerging markets, reversing the previous decade's direction." According to opinion polls, the ANC could lose its majority for the first time since 1994 in the May 29 election. However, fears of forming a government with communist parties have subsided. "Our base case remains that the ANC wins this election outright with an overall majority," said Standard Chartered Bank's head of research, Razia Khan. "If that doesn't happen, we still think it's a likely coalition with relatively benign, relatively centrist coalition partners." The Democratic Alliance, the populist Economic Freedom Fighters, and the newly created uMkhonto weSizwe, led by former President Jacob Zuma, who is facing corruption charges, are all expected to receive large votes outside of the ANC. UBS Group AG strategists, including Manik Narain, believe local stocks may rise by 17 per cent if the ANC and the DA form a partnership. The election premium on bonds is also decreasing. Local currency debt, which underperformed emerging markets earlier in 2024, has risen to the top ten this quarter, delivering investors a 6.3 per cent return in dollar terms. Citigroup Inc. strategists, including Bhumika Gupta, have switched overweight on the debt, expecting more inflows. "The danger of the ANC having to team up with the EFF post-election has led to considerable underperformance in South African bond and credit markets in recent months," said Roger Mark, an emerging-markets fixed-income analyst at Ninety One." "Because we view this scenario as a tail risk only, we are turning increasingly constructive on the country's assets." In April, Credit Agricole SA went long the rand against the dollar, with a target price of 18.60 rand per dollar. The currency has already risen above this, trading at about 18.20 on Friday. Cumesh Moodliar, CEO of Investec South Africa, stated that investors want to see sustained improvements in state-owned enterprises and important institutions, as well as successful prosecutions of individuals involved in corruption. "None of these are out of reach of the government," Moodliar stated. "A concerted effort to follow through is probably the first requirement to rebuild confidence." (With inputs from Bloomberg)

South African Election sparks financial market rally. Here are the details

South African is all set to vote in a general election on May 29, that could bring about the most significant political change in three decades, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) at risk of losing its parliamentary majority. Watch in for more details!

South Africans to vote in both national and provincial elections

South Africa’s governing party ANC faces an electoral crisis with expectations that its support will dramatically reduce and it may lose its parliamentary majority in this month’s election. Watch in for more details!

ANC faces a tough challenge to retain its majority

South Africa: Ruling ANC facing possible voter decline in May 29 election

With less than two months to go for elections, the political parties in South Africa have begun campaigning in full swing. This time, however, the ruling party African National Congress (ANC) is under heavy pressure.

South Africa Elections: Jacob Zuma's comeback overshadows ANC's campaign

South Africa marks 30 years since first post-apartheid election | Race To Power

A South African court rejected a bid by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to stop a party backed by former President Jacob Zuma from using its name and logo. Watch in for more details!

South Africa: ANC loses court battle with Jacob Zuma over party name and logo

South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma will able to contest the upcoming general elections. He was earlier barred from standing in elections which are scheduled in may. Zuma had challenged the decision. Now a court has ruled the decision of the electoral commission to uphold an objection to former president Jacob Zuma has been dismissed.

Jacob Zuma can now contest in elections | Relief for Zuma, headache for Ramaphosa

Former president Jacob Zuma of South Africa has been barred from running in the country’s upcoming general elections scheduled for May, said the country’s electoral officials on Thursday.

South Africa: Zuma gets barred from polls | Zuma's party to challenge ban

South Africa's second most popular party the Democratic Alliance (DA) would consider a deal with the ruling African National Congress should the ANC fail to get the majority it needs to retain power in May elections, its leader said on Monday.

South Africa's main opposition party may consider deal with ANC

Supporters of former South African President Jacob Zuma carried out a series of rallies and motorcades in the northern part of Durban. The rallies in support come just days after the ruling party the African National Congress suspended Zuma for extending his support to a new political party ahead of the 2024 national elections.

Jacob Zuma's MK party gains support in parts of South Africa

According to a poll, the African National Congress (ANC) would garner less than 47% of votes, suggesting it would need a coalition with a smaller party to form a national government.

Poll: ANC's support falls below 50%; coalition required to form national government

South Africa's ruling ANC suspended former president Jacob Zuma from the party on Monday. Jacob Zuma served as the President of democratic South Africa from 2009 to 2018. Zuma was forced from office under corruption allegations. Watch to know more!

South Africa: Zuma suspended over rival MK party's launch, ANC vows to launch legal challenge

South&nbsp;Africa's ruling African National Congress&nbsp;(ANC)&nbsp;suspended the country's former president Jacob Zuma from the party on Monday and vowed to launch a legal challenge against a rival group campaigning in his name.

Announcing the decision, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula declared: "Zuma, and others whose conduct is in conflict with our values and principles, will find themselves outside the African National Congress."

The decision, which was widely expected, will be seen as a further sign of disunity in the movement ahead of this year's general election, in which the long-dominant ANC is expected to lose ground.

Zuma was the fourth president of democratic&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;from 2009 to 2018 but was forced from office under the cloud of corruption allegations and he has become estranged from the party he once led.

In December, he declared that he would be campaigning for a new party, uMkhonto We Sizwe (MK) or Spear of the Nation, named after the ANC's former armed wing during the anti-apartheid struggle.

Mbalula said that in addition to suspending Zuma, the ANC could complain to the electoral court to get the new party deregistered and mount a trademark challenge to recapture the name.

"The formation of MK party is not an accident," Mbalula declared after a meeting to the party's National Executive Committee, attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

"It is a deliberate attempt to use the proud history of the armed struggle against the apartheid regime to lend credibility to what is a blatantly counter-revolutionary agenda."

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) suspended the country's former president Jacob Zuma from the party on Monday and vowed to launch a legal challenge against a rival group campaigning in his name.

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) suspended the country's former president Jacob Zuma from the party on Monday and vowed to launch a legal challenge against a rival group campaigning in his name. Announcing the decision, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula declared: "Zuma, and others whose conduct is in conflict with our values and principles, will find themselves outside the African National Congress." The decision, which was widely expected, will be seen as a further sign of disunity in the movement ahead of this year's general election, in which the long-dominant ANC is expected to lose ground. Zuma was the fourth president of democratic South Africa from 2009 to 2018 but was forced from office under the cloud of corruption allegations and he has become estranged from the party he once led. In December, he declared that he would be campaigning for a new party, uMkhonto We Sizwe (MK) or Spear of the Nation, named after the ANC's former armed wing during the anti-apartheid struggle. Mbalula said that in addition to suspending Zuma, the ANC could complain to the electoral court to get the new party deregistered and mount a trademark challenge to recapture the name. "The formation of MK party is not an accident," Mbalula declared after a meeting to the party's National Executive Committee, attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa. "It is a deliberate attempt to use the proud history of the armed struggle against the apartheid regime to lend credibility to what is a blatantly counter-revolutionary agenda."

South Africa’s ANC suspends former president Jacob Zuma

South Africa will have elections in may - August this year. The ANC, the only party that has governed South Africa post-apartheid in 1994, is confident it will get a full majority. But not everyone agrees. Over the years, the party has lost support and this year things have only got worse. For one, former President Jacob Zuma is not supporting the anc this time, instead, he is campaigning for a new party, Umkhonto Wesizwe, and is expected to take away potential voters from anc kalden ongmu has filed this report.

Zuma vs Ramaphosa ahead of poll battle | ANC celebrates 112th anniversary

A big blow to South Africa's ruling African National Congress party as the former South African president Jacob Zuma has now said that he won't be supporting the African National Congress in the elections that are slated next year.

South Africa former president withdraws support from ruling party

South Africa former President withdraws support from ruling party, attacks President

The African National Congress, which now rules South Africa, has been given a warning by the country's central bank: "You can't spend your way out of trouble." The national treasury is pushing for austerity measures. But they've been met with resistance from those who are afraid of public unrest leading up to next year's election, in which the ANC might lose its overwhelming support.

South Africa's central bank issues a warning

South Africa's leftist party, the economic freedom fighters, is prepared to form a grand Coalition with the other opposition parties as a result of the upcoming elections, which will see the end of the African National Congress as the country's ruling party.

South Africa's leftist EFF open to coalition to oust ruling ANC

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected as the leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party on Monday. The veteran politician, who has been facing a number of corruption scandals recently, defeated his rival – former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize – by 2476 votes to 1897.&nbsp;

Ramaphosa was the odds-on favourite to win the party elections with the ANC putting their complete support behind him when it comes to the corruption scandals. However, a lot of experts were surprised by the number of votes that Mkhize got as he was also hit by a major scandal regarding the Covid funds.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-shoots-down-nine-drones-in-capitals-airspace-early-monday-military-administration-says-544357">Drones hit 'critical infrastructure' in Kyiv, cause 'fairly serious' damage</a>

While both factions inside the ANC made it clear that there were no instances of vote-buying, it was alleged that Mkhize promised high positions to key members in order to boost his cause.&nbsp;

The ANC, a party that counted Nelson Mandela as its member, has been in power in South Africa since 1994 and they will be looking to win a sixth term in the 2024 general elections. While corruption has become a major issue for the country, scandals have not impacted the influence of the party.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Taiwan launches probe into TikTok for spreading disinformation

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Ramaphosa ran on an anti-corruption platform against his predecessor Jacob Zuma but the recent scandals have marred his name. While the parliamentary vote asking for his impeachment was completely quashed by the legislators, the public perception has certainly soured over time.&nbsp;

Ramaphosa was accused of tax evasion and money laundering with the central authorities also accusing him of stashing over $580,000 in a sofa at his private farm, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected as the leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party on Monday. The veteran politician, who has been facing a number of corruption scandals recently, defeated his rival – former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize – by 2476 votes to 1897.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected as the leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party on Monday. The veteran politician, who has been facing a number of corruption scandals recently, defeated his rival – former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize – by 2476 votes to 1897. Ramaphosa was the odds-on favourite to win the party elections with the ANC putting their complete support behind him when it comes to the corruption scandals. However, a lot of experts were surprised by the number of votes that Mkhize got as he was also hit by a major scandal regarding the Covid funds. Also read | Drones hit 'critical infrastructure' in Kyiv, cause 'fairly serious' damage While both factions inside the ANC made it clear that there were no instances of vote-buying, it was alleged that Mkhize promised high positions to key members in order to boost his cause. The ANC, a party that counted Nelson Mandela as its member, has been in power in South Africa since 1994 and they will be looking to win a sixth term in the 2024 general elections. While corruption has become a major issue for the country, scandals have not impacted the influence of the party. WATCH | Taiwan launches probe into TikTok for spreading disinformation Ramaphosa ran on an anti-corruption platform against his predecessor Jacob Zuma but the recent scandals have marred his name. While the parliamentary vote asking for his impeachment was completely quashed by the legislators, the public perception has certainly soured over time. Ramaphosa was accused of tax evasion and money laundering with the central authorities also accusing him of stashing over $580,000 in a sofa at his private farm, according to Reuters.

Cyril Ramaphosa re-elected as leader of ruling ANC party in South Africa

The African National Congress (ANC), which is in power in South Africa, held a meeting on Sunday to elect a new party leader, pitting current president Cyril Ramaphosa against former health minister Zweli Mkhize.&nbsp;In the three decades after Nelson Mandela overthrew the country's white minority rule, the victor, who will compete for president in elections in 2024 under the ANC flag, has been all but certain of winning.

But given the ANC's declining popularity throughout that time and the potential that the party might lose its majority for the first time, this is no longer a given.

At the ANC's five-day conference in Johannesburg, more than 4,400 delegates must choose which of the two contenders is best suited to turn around the organisation’s prospects.

As nominations were being finalised early on Sunday morning, their fans engaged in a sing-off. Supporters of Ramaphosa were singing and putting up two fingers to indicate a second term as leader.

The words "change" and "He (Ramaphosa) is not coming back" were shouted by Mkhize's fans.

Prior to facing pressure to resign due to a controversy involving the discovery of a cash cache at his farm, Ramaphosa was the front-runner to win. Ramaphosa maintains&nbsp;his innocence while supporters of former president Jacob Zuma are attempting to remove Ramaphosa using the controversy.

Zuma is under investigation for a number of corruption charges, which he fiercely disputes.

Mkhize became the Zuma block's most influential politician. Ramaphosa fired him amid allegations of fraud in the COVID-19 bids last year, which the former minister refutes.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The African National Congress (ANC), which is in power in South Africa, held a meeting on Sunday to elect a new party leader, pitting current president Cyril Ramaphosa against former health minister Zweli Mkhize.

The African National Congress (ANC), which is in power in South Africa, held a meeting on Sunday to elect a new party leader, pitting current president Cyril Ramaphosa against former health minister Zweli Mkhize. In the three decades after Nelson Mandela overthrew the country's white minority rule, the victor, who will compete for president in elections in 2024 under the ANC flag, has been all but certain of winning. But given the ANC's declining popularity throughout that time and the potential that the party might lose its majority for the first time, this is no longer a given. At the ANC's five-day conference in Johannesburg, more than 4,400 delegates must choose which of the two contenders is best suited to turn around the organisation’s prospects. As nominations were being finalised early on Sunday morning, their fans engaged in a sing-off. Supporters of Ramaphosa were singing and putting up two fingers to indicate a second term as leader. The words "change" and "He (Ramaphosa) is not coming back" were shouted by Mkhize's fans. Prior to facing pressure to resign due to a controversy involving the discovery of a cash cache at his farm, Ramaphosa was the front-runner to win. Ramaphosa maintains his innocence while supporters of former president Jacob Zuma are attempting to remove Ramaphosa using the controversy. Zuma is under investigation for a number of corruption charges, which he fiercely disputes. Mkhize became the Zuma block's most influential politician. Ramaphosa fired him amid allegations of fraud in the COVID-19 bids last year, which the former minister refutes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

South Africa: 4,400 ANC delegates gather at five-day conference to elect new party leader

A classic Game of Thrones is unfolding in South Africa. At stake is the control of the country's ruling party and whoever heads the African National Congress.

South Africa: Ruling ANC due to elect a new leader this weekend

The ruling African National Congress in South Africa has nominated. Only two candidates to run for the party's President. The contest now just between Cyril Ramaphosa and Zweli Mkhize. The South African President is facing the Health Minister who he suspended last year over corruption allegations in a party vote.

ANC's five-day conference in Johannesburg; Ramaphosa seeks re-election as ANC boss

South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress is heading into its 55th elective conference and all eyes are of course on the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

WION Dispatch | South Africa: ANC holds elective conference

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