South Africa's top court began hearing legal arguments on Friday on whether ex-president Jacob Zuma can run for parliament, a case whose outcome will affect a wide open national election on May 29 and could cause security problems if he loses.

South Africa's top court is hearing a challenge to the decision to allow former President Jacob Zuma to contest this month's elections.The electoral body originally barred Mr Zuma because of his conviction for contempt of court.

The uMkhonto weSizwe ( MK) Party is reportedly aware that its former leader, Jabulani Khumalo may have met with the ANC amid a fallout with the party. In April, Khumalo was expelled from the MK party, alongside other four other people, after being accused of destabilising the party.

A party backed by former South African President Jacob Zuma said it expects to be in government after May 29 elections, and that it plans to raise additional state revenue by increasing capital gains and inheritance taxes once in office.

Jacob Zuma, who led South Africa for almost nine scandal-ridden years before the ruling party forced him from office, has staged a dramatic comeback and is shaking up politics before this month’s elections.

Former South African President Jacob Zuma is facing an attempt to oust him from leadership positions in his new party, state broadcaster SABC reported on Tuesday, three weeks before an election in which he is expected to attract significant support.

Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma is a divisive figure. For some South Africans, the controversial former president is a liberator and saviour for millions of poor people. For others, he is corrupt and ill-fit to lead.

South Africa's election on May 29 could bring momentous change, with polls suggesting the ruling African National Congress is likely to lose its majority after 30 years in power. The following are key facts about the ANC and rival parties,