South Africa: Jacob Zuma summoned before ANC disciplinary commission
The ruling party in South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC), has summoned former President Jacob Zuma to a disciplinary hearing for allegedly violating party rules, according to an announcement made by the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC).
« Mr. Zuma is accused of breaching the ANC charter when he publicly supported the new party ‘uMkhonto we Sizwe’ (MK) on December 16, 2023, and when he appeared on the MK party candidate list », the Committee said in a notice published in a tense atmosphere on the eve of the general elections on May 29.
Following the creation of his own party in December 2023, former President Jacob Zuma called on South Africans not to vote for the ANC in the upcoming elections. This followed his suspension from the party in January 2024 by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The party’s Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, emphasized that Mr. Zuma actively challenges the integrity of the ANC and campaigns to remove it from power, while asserting that he has not terminated his membership. «This conduct is incompatible with the spirit of organizational discipline and the ANC charter », he said.
It’s worth noting that to curb the former President’s influence, the ANC spared no effort to oppose the registration of his party during the recent elections. However, ultimately, the leader of « uMkhonto We Sizwe » emerged victorious from the legal battle launched against him.
Today, the ANC is facing a serious legitimacy crisis that could even cost it the majority in parliament due to its failure to find a lasting solution to the corruption that has held the country hostage for several years.
