Johnathan Paoli
THE MK party has said it is shocked and dismayed at the leaking of the ANC National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) findings, with spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela saying on Monday his party considered the leak a deliberate attempt to undermine former President and party leader Jacob Zuma.
Ndhlela said that neither Zuma, nor his representative Tony Yengeni were informed of the ruling – where Zuma has been expelled from the party – a violation of both the party and country’s constitution.
The spokesperson said the refusal by the ANC to grant Zuma a trial in person and their decision to continue without his presence, was a contravention of his human and constitutional right.
“It is a foundational legal principle that no individual, not even those accused of serious crimes, should be punished or sentenced in their absence,” the spokesperson said.
In addition, Ndhlela said the ANC’s behaviour echoed that of the Zondo commission, where Zuma was arrested for requesting the recusal of the Chief Justice.
He said the speedy turn of events in Zuma’s expulsion illustrated that the law and rules are always changed when it comes to the former president.
“Why must the law always be applied clandestinely and differently to President Zuma as opposed to every other person,” he asked while calling into question the ANC’s contradictory behaviour, initially scheduling a physical hearing in May, only to withdraw its commitment.
Ndhlela said his party would not idly sit by and continue to tolerate what it called “grave injustices” against Zuma.
He alleged that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula attempted to intimidate Yengeni so as to not represent the former president.
He confirmed that the party leader would engage with his legal team in order to determine the course of action going forward.
He said Zuma would announce his intention of appealing, once consultations have been concluded.
A statement released by the ANC on Sunday, confirms that the decision to expel Zuma was unanimous among committee members who included Faith Muthambi, Nocawe Mafu, Robinson Ramaite, Kerensa Millard and Vusi Pikoli.
The NDC acting chairperson Enver Surty said that Zuma was found guilty of contravening Rule 25.17.17.4 of the party constitution, read with subsection (2), for prejudicing the integrity or repute of the Organisation by acting in collaboration with a registered political party not in alliance with the ANC.
Surty said Zuma acted in a manner contrary to the aims, policies and objectives of the ANC.
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