Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been expelled from his position as chairperson of the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), according to a statement from the group on Friday. Zuma, who was elected in absentia during the Sanco KZN Provincial Conference on November 19, 2023, has not attended any meetings since his appointment, violating the organization’s constitutional attendance requirements. Sanco’s constitution mandates that absence from three consecutive committee meetings without adequate explanation is grounds for dismissal.

Sanco Provincial Secretary Sizwe Cele stated that Zuma failed to provide any apology or explanation for his absence, leading to his expulsion for misconduct and abscondment. Lawrence Dube has been named the acting provincial chairperson, with a plan for an uncontested Provincial General Council to confirm Dube and appoint Jabu Msiya as his deputy.

Meanwhile, Zuma has been actively campaigning across KZN and Gauteng for the newly established Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, despite claiming to remain a member of the ANC. His involvement with MK led to his suspension by the ANC last month. The emergence of MK as a political force was highlighted by its performance in a recent by-election in KZN, where it managed to draw votes from the ANC and IFP, signaling potential significant impact in the upcoming national elections.