The ANC began to split in 2005 when Mbeki dismissed Zuma, South Africa’s vice president, amid allegations of corruption. The differing opinion can be seen in the support for Jacob Zuma after his loss to Mr. Mbeki. Supporters of Zuma became very adamant about putting him into power in next year’s election. Zuma was charged with fraud, corruption and racketeering which only increased the campaign of electing him. Both parts of the party believe they have the best way to defend their democracy. “We will discuss the best way to defend our democracy,” Mluleki George, a leader of the dissident group and a former deputy defense minister under Mbeki. The party divisions have worsened since December with labor union and communist party members criticizing the economic policies of Mbeki’s government and demanding an end to interest rate increases and an easing of the inflation target.

At this point the split can be most clearly seen as those that want to stay in the African National Congress and continue the traditional party against those that see flaws in the current political party,