In a move that has sent shockwaves through South African politics, former president Jacob Zuma has been officially expelled from the African National Congress (ANC). The decision, reached after a disciplinary hearing last week, marks a dramatic end to Zuma's long and often turbulent association with the party he has been a member of for over 64 years.
The ANC's national disciplinary committee (NDC) found Zuma guilty of prejudicing the party's integrity by forming the MK Party, a rival political entity, and actively campaigning against the ANC in the upcoming 2024 general elections. This decision comes after months of delays and follows Zuma's controversial public declaration that he would not be campaigning for or voting for the ANC.
The NDC's findings, contained in a leaked draft document, detail the proceedings of the disciplinary hearing and the committee's reasoning behind its decision to expel Zuma. The ANC, in its presentation to the NDC, argued that Zuma's actions had directly contributed to the party's current predicament.
Zuma faced two charges for violating rules 25.17.17(4) and 25.17.13 of the ANC's constitution. The first charge, contravening rule 25.17.17.4, accuses Zuma of "acting on behalf of or in collaboration with the political organisation or party other than an organisation or party in alliance with the ANC in a manner contrary to the aims, policies and objectives of the ANC". The second charge, contravening rule 25.17.13, alleges that Zuma "joined or supported a political organisation or party, other than an organisation in alliance with the ANC, in a manner contrary to the aims, objectives and policy of the ANC."
These charges directly stem from Zuma's public declaration on 16 December, where he explicitly stated he would be campaigning for and voting for the MK Party instead of the ANC. The ANC's legal representative, Amanda Vilakazi, highlighted this transgression to the NDC, reminding them that Zuma had previously taken the Electoral Commission of South Africa to court when he was barred from contesting National Assembly candidature due to his criminal conviction.
"The ANC finds itself in its current position because of the charged member," the document stated, highlighting the party's view that Zuma's actions have directly impacted their standing.
The NDC hearing saw ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula appear as a witness, outlining Zuma's transgressions dating back to his December announcement. Mbalula's evidence included public statements made by Zuma, which he argued contradicted the ANC's constitution and were designed to undermine the party and encourage voters to support other parties.
Mbalula, in his testimony, went further, stating that Zuma "was not capable of being rehabilitated and should be expelled". He underscored the fact that the ANC is a single entity, and Zuma's actions in campaigning against the party and supporting the MK Party, which is not in alliance with the ANC, constituted a breach of his membership oath.
The hearing was not without its share of drama, as Zuma's representative, Tony Yengeni, accused Mbalula of intimidation through text messages. Yengeni had also requested the hearing be held in person and in public, requests which were rejected by the ANC.
The ANC has stated that Zuma has 21 days to appeal the decision.
