African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has strongly criticized former President Jacob Zuma. The ANC and the newly formed Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, now Zuma’s political platform, clashed in the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

The dispute revolves around the MK Party’s registration with the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa, which the ANC contends was done without proper procedure. Additionally, the ANC seeks to invalidate the MK Party’s registration with the commission. Judgment on the matter has been deferred.

Meanwhile, Mbalula minced no words when addressing the media after the proceedings. “He [Zuma] has historically exploited the masses, a trend he continues today by feigning that his personal interests align with those of the people.” He also rebuffed claims that the ANC mistreated Zuma.

“The ANC showed too much tolerance towards leaders whose ethical standards clashed with its own values. Renewal means raising the standards again to ensure the ANC never allows an individual leader to compromise its ethical integrity.” Zuma was suspended from the ANC due to his public support for the MK Party.