ANC to Proceed with Disciplinary Action Against Jacob Zuma Despite Legal Threats

In a bold move amidst legal threats, the African National Congress (ANC) is set to advance with its disciplinary proceedings against former President Jacob Zuma. This comes after Zuma, who is currently affiliated with the rival MK party, publicly announced his intention to vote against the ANC in the upcoming May elections.

The ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) is poised to make a significant decision regarding Zuma’s future within the party. If the committee rules against him, Zuma would become the first former ANC president to face expulsion. This follows the expulsion of Zuma’s ally, Ace Magashule, the party’s former secretary-general.

Zuma faces charges of misconduct for publicly supporting the MK party and allegedly urging his supporters to vote against the ANC. His inclusion on the MK party’s parliamentary candidate list has also contributed to the charges against him.

Zuko Godlimpi, acting national spokesperson for the ANC, confirmed that the disciplinary proceedings will proceed as planned. He emphasized that the NDC’s interactions and deliberations are confidential, and a verdict will be announced only after all representations have been reviewed.

“The NDC hearing continues as scheduled with no changes communicated to head office,” Godlimpi stated. “The timing of the verdict depends on the extent of the deliberations and the matters under consideration.”

Although Zuma leads the MK party, he has not formally resigned from the ANC and has vowed to remain a party member until his death. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has publicly criticized Zuma, attributing the party’s poor performance in the recent elections to Zuma’s actions.

Mbalula remarked, “Jacob Zuma, coming from within the ANC, single-handedly undermined our prospects. The EFF, DA, and other smaller parties did not defeat us; it was Zuma’s actions that had the most significant impact.”

He also noted that Zuma’s influence was particularly strong in KwaZulu-Natal, where the ANC lost its majority due to MK party gains. This shift is expected to be a central element in the ANC’s case against Zuma.

MK party sources reveal that Zuma is seeking representation from advocate Dali Mpofu and former ANC chief whip Tony Yengeni. Despite efforts to facilitate a meeting between Zuma and current ANC leaders, Mbalula indicated that the situation has evolved beyond reconciliation efforts.

“We have moved past that stage,” Mbalula commented. “The election results have clarified the challenges we face, and we are now addressing them head-on.”

The unfolding situation highlights the deepening rift within South Africa’s political landscape, with significant implications for the ANC and its future strategy.