Former president Jacob Zuma says he will fight “tooth and nail” to regain his ANC membership and is prepared to take the party to court if needed.

Zuma’s Message in KwaZulu-Natal

Zuma made the remarks on Saturday, 14 February 2026, during the launch of a book about the life of his first wife, Sizakele Khumalo-Zuma. The event was held in Inanda, north of Durban.

At the gathering, Zuma said he still considers himself an ANC member and argued that his membership should not be removed. He warned that if the party tries to erase his membership, he will pursue legal action, even if it means raising funds through selling cattle.

A Future ANC and MK Merger

Zuma also expressed hope that the ANC and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party could one day become “one thing”. He suggested his intention is to “emerge from” the ANC and ultimately bring unity between the two political forces.

Why the ANC Expelled Zuma

The ANC formally cut ties with Zuma in July 2024 after its national disciplinary committee resolved to expel him. The party said Zuma contravened Rule 25 of the ANC constitution by forming the MK party while wanting to remain an ANC member.

According to the ANC, Zuma’s failure to campaign for or vote for the ANC amounted to a breach of its rules. The MK party was publicly launched in Soweto on 16 December 2023.

This is not the first time Zuma has demanded reinstatement. In January, his lawyers wrote to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, calling Zuma’s expulsion “unlawful” and warning of legal action if the issue was not addressed.

MK party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has said the party supports Zuma’s push and that the MK party constitution allows dual membership in exceptional circumstances.