Will MK Party leader fight to stay in the ANC?

The disciplinary hearing of former African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma will take place virtually on Wednesday, 17 July.

This was confirmed by ANC acting spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi.

JACOB ZUMA’S DISCIPLINARY HEARING WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY

Initially, the hearing was scheduled to take place on 7 May at Luthuli House, the ruling party’s headquarters in Johannesburg. However, a letter was issued saying the hearing will take place after the 29 May National and Provincial Elections citing security concerns.

MK Party members had vowed that they will come out in numbers to accompany their leader to Luthuli House in order to protect him.

As previously reported, ahead of the 29 May polls, the ANC charged Zuma for contravening Rule 25 of the party’s constitution including collaborating with another party. 

Earlier this year, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said Zuma expelled himself from the party after he publicly endorsed the MK Party in December 2023. During the launch, Zuma said he remains a member of the ANC but is not going to campaign nor vote for the party he once led. Instead, he endorsed the MK Party.

Zuma is technically still a member of the ruling party, although he was suspended from the party in January after he declared his support for the newly-formed MK Party which he now leads.

In the historic 29 May elections, the MK Party received over two million votes and emerged as the third biggest political party in the country. In addition, the party has 58 seats in the National Assembly and is also represented in many provincial legislatures.

HOW WILL THE HEARING BE CONDUCTED?

Godlimpi told The South African that the ANC National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) is an autonomous committee of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and will conduct Jacob Zuma’s disciplinary hearing in accordance with the ANC Constitution and Disciplinary Rules and Regulations.

On whether there will be any witnesses in the hearing, Godlimpi said it is up to the NDC and the person appearing.

The South African also reached out to MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela and asked if Zuma would be availing himself for the hearing. A response will be inserted once received.

DO YOU THINK THE ANC WILL EXPEL JACOB ZUMA?

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