Johnathan Paoli
THE ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) resumed its virtual disciplinary hearing against former SA President and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party leader Jacob Zuma on Tuesday in his absence.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula reportedly outlined how Zuma ditched the party for MK, and failed to uphold the principles of the ANC despite his long history in the party and his contribution to the struggle against apartheid.
However, Zuma did not appear for the hearing, and it is alleged that his representative Tony Yengeni also withdrew, citing connectivity issues.
Zuma is facing two charges of contravening the party’s rules, including its constitution, following his public endorsement of the newly formed MK party, while still a member of the ANC.
According to the party’s constitution, rule 25; Zuma’s decision to not campaign for the ANC, and support MK was tantamount to constitutional breach.
More than a hundred MK party supporters gathered at Beyers Naude Square in the Johannesburg CBD to show support for Zuma, with some supporters marching past the ANC’s headquarters at Luthuli House.
MK Party Deputy Coordinator in Gauteng, Gama Mazibuko, said Zuma should have been allowed to present himself physically before the NDC.
“Our President is always a people’s person. He believes in warm bodies when he deals with matters. So he wanted to be there in person and look at people he’s dealing with. But anyway I cannot say much let’s let the process unfold and we’ll take it from there,” Mazibuko said.
Bishop Sandile Ndlela, a long time ANC member and current MK supporter, said there is nothing wrong with Jacob Zuma having a dual membership.
Ndlela said, like Zuma, he has no intention of resigning his membership from the ANC.
MK Johannesburg Convener, Theo Dlamini, said Zuma’s disciplinary hearing with the ANC should have been conducted physically and in public, but refused to comment on Zuma’s dual membership.
The ANC previously cancelled the former president’s disciplinary hearing in person, citing security concerns and potential violence between supporters of the two parties.
In addition, the ANC denied Zuma’s request for an in-person hearing, with the former president retaliating by boycotting and refusing to appear virtually.
Zuma nominated ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member Tony Yengeni to represent him, with Yengeni repeating Zuma’s request for a physical hearing.
In a letter dated 22 July 2024, sent to acting NDC chair Enver Surty, Yengeni claimed Zuma was still disgruntled that the meeting was held virtually and behind closed doors after he called for an in-person hearing.
“At this stage, [we] have not succeeded in persuading comrade Zuma to accept the virtual format as suitable for the NDC hearing. He has instead tasked me to convey his request that the hearing not only be held physically, but that it must be opened to the public,” wrote Yengeni.
The NDC is expected to hold another meeting in the coming days to decide on Zuma’s fate.
Should he be expelled from the ANC or sanctioned following the hearing, Zuma will have up to two weeks to contest the findings with the party’s National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal.
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