Johnathan Paoli
THE National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) of the African National Congress (ANC) has scheduled a disciplinary hearing against former President and now suspended member, Jacob Zuma.
In a notice dated 24 April, but released on Thursday, the committee notified Zuma that the hearing has been scheduled for 7 May, at Luthuli House in Johannesburg.
The notice outlines two counts, namely the contravening of Rule 25.17.17.4 of the ANC constitution – acting on behalf of or in collaboration with a political organisation or party other than an organisation or party in alliance with the ANC in a manner contrary to the aims, policies and objectives of the party.
The second count relates to contravening Rule 25.17.13 which relates to the joining or supporting a political organisation or party, other than an organisation in alliance with the ANC, in a manner contrary to the aims, objectives and policy of the party.
ANC Chief National Present Uriel Abrahamse said that should the former President not appear at the venue on the date and time determined for the hearing, including virtually, the chairperson will have the authority to continue with the proceedings in his absence.
Abrahamse said that the counts related to Zuma’s address at the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party in Soweto late last year, in which he called on all South Africans to join him in dislodging the ANC as the ruling party.
Furthermore, Abrahamse said Zuma’s appearance on the list of public representatives, contrary to the party rules due to the MK party, was not an organisation in alliance with the ruling party.
The setting down of a formal disciplinary hearing against Zuma is in stark contrast to ANC secretary general Fikile April Mbalula’s utterances earlier this year, that Zuma would not be summoned to a disciplinary meeting since he had in effect already disqualified himself by endorsing the MK party in contravention of the party’s rules.
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is expected to hear the case concerning the eligibility of Zuma to run as a candidate in the upcoming elections on 10 May.
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