Political analysts criticise the ANC for its “faulty” decision-making in the ongoing drama between the ANC and MK. This criticism comes after Jacob Zuma’s disciplinary hearing was postponed due to security concerns and fears of violence at ANC headquarters, Luthuli House.
The ANC released a statement explaining that, based on an assessment of the security situation at Luthuli House, they had been advised against holding activities, including disciplinary hearings that attract large gatherings, due to the potential for violence.
As a result, they decided to postpone Zuma’s hearing until after the election. Political analyst Andre Duvenhage believes that the ANC made a mistake by not taking action against Zuma when the crisis developed around him forming the MK party.
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He suggests that the ANC didn’t want to create divisions within the party and chose to postpone their reaction. However, Duvenhage also notes that the ANC is concerned about its support base and decided to take disciplinary action against Zuma.
He believes that Zuma’s control of the political scene has made the ANC hesitant to confront him, fearing that it may backfire so close to the election.
One concern for the ANC is that the MK Party will use the disciplinary hearing as an opportunity for media propaganda. Duvenhage points out that the hearing has garnered more media attention than the ANC’s election campaign, which is a cause for concern.
This situation has the potential to create political instability, conflict, and even violence, which is damaging to the ANC’s image just weeks before the election.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula defended the decision to postpone Zuma’s hearing, citing security concerns and the rapidly changing events surrounding Zuma. He also confirmed that no virtual hearing would take place after the election, indicating that the disciplinary process would be put on hold until then.
Political analyst Sandile Swana believes that conducting the disciplinary hearing three weeks before the election is too late because Zuma is unpredictable. He argues that this decision reflects poorly on the ANC’s decision-making process.
Swana suggests that the announcement of the hearing alone has already given Zuma and the MK party significant publicity to capitalize on.
Swana also points out that the ANC is capable of orchestrating violence around Luthuli House. However, he warns that if they try the same tactics on Zuma, they will meet resistance.
In his view, Zuma still holds the upper hand in this drama between the MK and the ANC. Swana predicts that negotiations between the ANC and Zuma will take place after the election, and the MK party’s political demands will be driven by the number of votes they receive.
Currently, Zuma is suspended from the ANC for publicly campaigning for the MK party. Duvenhage suggests that the ANC and MK can negotiate a settlement after the election, in which the MK party offers their support to the ANC.
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