The Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party has expressed its dissatisfaction with the African National Congress (ANC) for its focus on former president Jacob Zuma instead of their ongoing election campaign.
The ANC recently confirmed that Zuma is expected to face a disciplinary hearing next week for allegedly contravening party rules. This hearing comes at a critical time, just weeks before the country heads to the polls.
Zuma has been charged with two counts of contravening the ANC’s rules. The first count relates to his public endorsement of the newly formed MK party last year, while the second count stems from his appearance on the candidate list for the MK party.
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Nhlamulo Ndlela, the spokesperson for the MK party, has confirmed that Zuma will be present at the hearing, stating, “President Zuma has accepted the invitation to appear in person.”
However, the MK party believes that the ANC should have waited until after the elections to address these charges. Ndlela criticized the ANC, stating, “The ANC continues to be desperate in trying to deal with President Zuma when they should be focusing on their campaign.
“It is very silly and foolish of them to bring these charges before him.” Ndlela further questioned the ANC’s motives, suggesting that the charges were driven by hate rather than a genuine concern for party rules.
This disciplinary hearing follows Zuma’s suspension from the ANC in March after a two-day National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. According to Rule 25 of the ANC constitution, Zuma’s actions of not campaigning or voting for the ANC are considered a breach of the party’s constitution.
Initially, the NEC chose not to expel Zuma as a member, as it would have required a more lengthy disciplinary process, which they believed Zuma would not attend.
In December of last year, Zuma publicly announced his support for the MK party in the 2024 general elections, citing the ANC’s departure from its core values as his reason.
Bantu Holomisa, the leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), commented on Zuma’s affiliation with the MK party, stating, “Zuma is an attractive individual for MK. If MK were to do well in the elections, it might well be that someone who becomes a president of MK is still within the ANC.”
The upcoming disciplinary hearing involving Jacob Zuma highlights the ongoing tensions within the ANC.
While the party should be focusing on their election campaign, they find themselves entangled in internal disputes. The outcome of this hearing will undoubtedly have implications for both Zuma and the ANC as the country prepares for the upcoming elections.
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