By Amy Musgrave
The African National Congress’ National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal has upheld the decision of the National Disciplinary Committee to expel former president Jacob Zuma from the party.
Zuma threw his weight behind the MK Party last year. It has since gone from strength to strength, and is the third largest party in the country following May’s general elections.
“It is during testing moments of trial and challenge that the most advanced cadres are distinguished by their unwavering commitment to the principles which have held this movement together, respect for organisational processes, and loyalty to the collective decisions of the movement,” the ANC said in a statement on Friday.
“Mr Zuma’s behaviour exemplifies the highest form of ill-discipline and a direct assault on the historical mission of the ANC. By establishing and leading a rival political party, he abandoned the core values of organisational loyalty and collective accountability, converting himself into a tool for destabilisation.”
ANC spokeswoman Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said that the party’s traditions did not not call for unity for its own sake, devoid of critical reflection, engagement and accountability.
The selfless commitment to the national democratic revolution demanded that cadres placed the collective movement and its processes above their ambitions and organisational discipline compels adherence to the movement’s decisions, even in the face of adversity.
“As a former president of the ANC, Mr Zuma was expected to embody the highest standards of disciplined leadership and advanced cadres who serve as guides and inspiration for all members of our movement and society.
“Instead, his actions have undermined the unity and cohesion of the movement at a time when it is critical to consolidate and push forward with organisational renewal and confront the pressing challenges facing South Africa,” she said.
The “severe breach” of the party’s organisational foundation necessitated his expulsion to safeguard the ANC’s integrity and ensure that the unity of the organisation remained in form and content, Bhengu-Motsiri said.
She said unity was not a given as it was achieved in active struggle, and the ANC would never permit an individual, regardless of stature or historical contribution, to undermine its mission to build a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous society.
The MK Party will be celebrating its first-year anniversary in eThekwini next month.
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