- Former ANC president Jacob Zuma is set to challenge his expulsion from the party in a virtual hearing on Friday.
- Zuma, found guilty of breaching ANC rules by endorsing the MK Party and campaigning against the ANC, has instructed Tony Yengeni to push for a public hearing before discussing the grounds for his expulsion.
- As the ANC follows its internal disciplinary procedures, Zuma’s appeal could spotlight his recent political moves and his contentious relationship with ANC leadership.
In a significant development within the ANC, former president Jacob Zuma is appealing his expulsion from the party during a virtual hearing set for Friday. The decision to expel Zuma came after the ANC found him guilty of contravening its constitution by endorsing the MK Party, a political movement often critical of the ANC, and actively campaigning against the ANC’s candidates and policies. This decision highlights tensions within the party as it contends with internal dissent and differing ideological factions.
Zuma, who faces corruption charges stemming from his time as president, has instructed his representative Tony Yengeni to advocate for a public hearing. Zuma argues that transparency is critical for ANC members and South African citizens to witness the process as he challenges the ruling. Yengeni is expected to press for this demand before the disciplinary committee reviews the substantive issues of the expulsion.
Zuma’s alleged breach of party rules, combined with his support for the MK Party, a faction led by some former ANC members, has sparked intense debate. The MK Party, which has gained some traction among supporters who feel disillusioned with the ANC’s current leadership, is often seen as a radical wing within the broader ANC movement. Zuma’s endorsement of this party is viewed as a direct challenge to ANC unity, which has become increasingly strained ahead of upcoming elections.
This appeal comes at a time when Zuma’s influence within the ANC remains a point of contention. His legacy as a former president and his recent political maneuvers have left party leaders facing the delicate balance of enforcing party discipline while addressing the underlying frustrations voiced by some ANC members. The outcome of Friday’s hearing will have significant implications for Zuma’s future in the ANC and could influence how the party approaches dissent from high-profile members moving forward.
eNCA’s senior reporter, Aviwe Mtila, will cover the proceedings, providing insight into Zuma’s shifting role within the ANC and the impact of this appeal on the party’s ongoing internal dynamics. The request for a public hearing reflects Zuma’s continued effort to keep his base engaged and to highlight perceived issues within the ANC, potentially reshaping narratives around his leadership and the party’s disciplinary measures.
