- Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the ANC after leading a rival group into the May elections.
- Zuma’s expulsion raises questions about whether he will retain his perks as a former president.
- Despite the expulsion, Zuma is likely to retain his presidential benefits due to national laws.
Jacob Zuma‘s expulsion from the ANC has raised questions about whether he will retain his presidential perks.
ANC finally expels Jacob Zuma
Zuma’s tumultuous relationship with the African National Congress (ANC) culminated in his expulsion on Sunday.
The decision, although not formally announced yet, was revealed through a leaked document.
This expulsion followed disciplinary proceedings initiated earlier in July after Zuma led a rival group, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), into the 2024 general elections.
The leaked document dated 29 July states:
“The charged member is expelled from the ANC.”
It also mentions that Zuma has the right to appeal the decision within 21 days.
Zuma, who joined the ANC Youth League in 1959, was South Africa’s president from 2009 until 2018 when he resigned amid corruption allegations.
Will Zuma retain perks after expulsion?
Jacob Zuma’s rise within the ANC, from a youth league member to the party president, is a storied journey filled with notable highs and incredible lows.
However, his expulsion from the ANC has led to questions about whether he will retain his presidential perks.
Zuma’s pension and benefits as a former president are governed by national laws such as the Presidential Pensions Act.
These laws ensure that former presidents receive their pensions and benefits regardless of their political affiliations.
Thus, unless specific legal provisions link ANC membership to the forfeiture of presidential benefits, Zuma is expected to retain his perks.
When Zuma resigned in 2018, his annual salary was R2,989,845, and his benefits included lifelong security, an official vehicle, and free domestic flights.
This precedent, set by former presidents such as Kgalema Motlanthe and Baleka Mbete, indicates that Zuma’s benefits will likely remain intact despite his expulsion from the ANC.
