News
South Africa’s ex-leader Zuma expelled from ruling ANC
By Francesca Hangeior.
South Africa’s ruling ANC on Monday expelled its former leader ex-president Jacob Zuma for leading a rival party into elections following disciplinary proceedings.
The African National Congress, which lost its absolute parliamentary majority for the first time in May largely due to Zuma’s defection, said the veteran politician’s conduct was “irreconcilable” with its constitution.
“Former President Jacob Zuma has actively impugned the integrity of the ANC and campaigned to dislodge the ANC from power while claiming that he had not yet severed his membership,” ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula told a press conference.
He was thus “expelled” from the party, Mbalula said.
The ANC first suspended the scandal-tainted ex-leader in January, after he endorsed the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK).
MK cut into the ANC’s share of votes in the May 29 elections, taking third place with 14.5 percent.
The ANC managed 40 percent in the May vote — its weakest score since it came to power three decades ago to replace the apartheid government.
The result forced it to form a coalition government with nine other parties. MK was left out and is leading the opposition, with 58 lawmakers in the 400-seat National Assembly.
MK, a populist, radical leftist party, initially disputed the election result.
“His platform is dangerous, appeals to extremist instincts in our body politic and riles up a political base that may foment social unrest,” Mbalula said of Zuma’s MK.
Zuma has been barred from serving as an MP because of a 2021 conviction for contempt of court.
After news of his upcoming expulsion was leaked, the party lashed out at the “grave injustices against its leader”.
“An examination of the leaked document reveals that the disciplinary process was not only not only profoundly flawed but also conducted in a manner akin to a kangaroo court,” said MK spokesman Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
Elected South African president in 2009, he was forced from office in 2018 under the cloud of corruption allegations and was replaced by long-term rival, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The charismatic and outspoken 82-year-old still carries considerable political clout in South Africa, even enjoying support within some factions of the ANC.
Many believed his political career would end when he was sentenced to 15 months in jail in June 2021 after refusing to testify to a panel probing financial corruption and cronyism under his presidency.
His imprisonment triggered riots that sparked South Africa’s worst episode of violence since the fall of apartheid, leaving more than 350 dead.
He spent only two months behind bars and was released for health reasons, after which Ramaphosa commuted his sentence.
News
See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London
The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.
Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.
Story continues below advertisement
“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”
Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.
Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.
Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”
“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.
“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.
Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Story continues below advertisement
The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.
Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.
Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.
Story continues below advertisement
Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.
According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.
On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.
News
Speaker Abbas Decries Gross Inadequacy In Health Sector Despite Annual Allocation
News
Reps Demand Details Of Project Undertaken From Ministry Of Solid Minerals In 2024 Budget
-
News16 hours ago
DHQ Gives Updates on on Arrest, Trial of Simon Ekpa in Finland
-
News16 hours ago
Japa: 1 of 4 Nigerians want to leave the country – NBS
-
News15 hours ago
Senate mandates military to free LGs under B’Haram control
-
News15 hours ago
OUTREACH: Senator Manu concludes 2-day ICT program for constituents, distributes over 500 laptops to students (Video/Photos)
-
News15 hours ago
2027: Obasanjo’s knock on INEC reopens push for electoral reform
-
News16 hours ago
I’m not too young or inexperienced to run for Lagos Governor – Speaker Obasa
-
News16 hours ago
Simon Ekpa Sent To Prison
-
News16 hours ago
Nigerian Catholic religious Sister Uti wins $1.2 million Opus Prize