Jacob Zuma Faces ANC Disciplinary Hearing Amid Political Turmoil

Former South African President Jacob Zuma is set to appear before the African National Congress (ANC) disciplinary committee on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the party's headquarters in Johannesburg. The hearing comes after Zuma publicly declared his support for the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, despite still being a member of the ANC.

Why this matters: Thedisciplinary hearing against Jacob Zuma has significant implications for the stability of the ANC and the political landscape of South Africa ahead of the May 29 elections. The outcome of the hearing could also set a precedent for the party's ability to discipline its members and maintain unity in the face of internal conflicts.

Zuma faces two charges of contravening ANC rules, including acting in collaboration with and supporting a political organization not allied with the ANC. The charges stem from Zuma's appearance on the MK Party's parliamentary list for the upcoming May 29 elections, a move that has sparked controversy within the ANC and the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

The disciplinary action against Zuma is a vital component of the ANC's renewal program, according to the party. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the disciplinary process, stating,"The disciplinary process concerning former President Zuma is underway in accordance with ANC protocols. He will present his case, and the disciplinary committee will reach a verdict."Ramaphosa emphasizedthe independence of the disciplinary committee.

Zuma's suspension from the ANC in January 2024 was a result of his association with the MK Party, which is not aligned with the ANC. The former president's inclusion on the MK Party's parliamentary list further fueled allegations of violating party regulations. Despite the suspension, Zuma remains a member of the ANC and is appearing on the ballots in the upcoming election under the MK Party.

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela stated that Zuma "has nothing to hide" and will gladly appear before the ANC's disciplinary committee. Ndhlela added, "Whatever the outcomes thereof, he is at the ANC's mercy in terms of how they want to deal with it, but at this point in time, pending the outcome of the DC, there is nothing we can say. Let's see what their position is and take it from there."

The MK Party has no issue with Zuma holding dual membership in both the ANC and MK. Ndhlela quoted Zuma as saying, "President Zuma stated he will die an ANC member and he will never vote for the ANC of President Cyril Ramaphosa because this ANC is not the ANC he knows and it's very un-ANC. For the first time since 1912, the formation of the ANC, a leader buys himself into the presidency."

The ANC had previously held off on disciplining Zuma to avoid a messy expulsion process ahead of the election. However, the party has now decided to proceed with the disciplinary process, which could lead to Zuma's expulsion. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri clarified that the disciplinary process is unrelated to the upcoming elections or any other matter, stating, "The process being undertaken is unrelated to the upcoming elections or any other matter; it solely concerns disciplining a member who has contravened several ANC provisions, including their pledge to uphold specific values and principles."

The outcome of the disciplinary hearing could have significant implications for the political scene ahead of the May 29 elections. If found guilty, Zuma will have up to 14 days to contest the findings with the party's National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal. Possible outcomesinclude expulsion from the ANC, suspension of membership, or the imposition of penalties and sanctions. The disciplinary process will not only determine Zuma's fate within the ANC but also serve as a test of the party's commitment to its own principles and ability to maintain unity in the face of political challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Former South African President Jacob Zuma to face ANC disciplinary committee on May 7, 2024.
• Zuma charged with supporting rival MK Party, violating ANC rules.
• Disciplinary hearing outcome may lead to Zuma's expulsion, suspension, or penalties.
• Zuma remains an ANC member despite being on MK Party's parliamentary list.
• Hearing's outcome will impact ANC's unity and stability ahead of May 29 elections.