The leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, Jacob Zuma, has issued an ultimatum to the African National Congress (ANC), demanding his reinstatement as a member of the party by 31 January or face legal action.
Zuma was expelled from the ANC last year due to his involvement in the formation of the MK party, which significantly contributed to the ANC’s loss of its parliamentary majority nationally and in KwaZulu-Natal. His lawyers have written to ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula, challenging the legality of his expulsion and demanding his immediate reinstatement.
In the letter, Zuma’s legal team argued that the expulsion violated both the ANC constitution and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. They highlighted several irregularities in the disciplinary process, including the refusal to hold a physical hearing, lack of public transparency, and denial of the opportunity to present evidence in mitigation.
Furthermore, they accused Mbalula of interfering with the disciplinary committee’s decision and victimizing former ANC member Tony Yengeni, who represented Zuma in the hearing. The lawyers claimed that the ANC failed to address these issues and provide a fair appeals process for Zuma.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party and the JG Zuma Foundation expressed solidarity with Zuma, emphasizing that his rights had been infringed upon by the ANC. They criticized the party’s leadership and raised concerns about its direction, alleging a departure from the organization’s core principles and values.
If the ANC does not comply with Zuma’s demands by the end of January, he plans to seek reinstatement through legal channels and pursue punitive costs against the party. The case represents a broader challenge to the ANC’s integrity and adherence to its historical mission, according to Zuma’s supporters.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication, indicating ongoing tension and uncertainty surrounding Zuma’s potential reinstatement. The outcome of this dispute will likely have far-reaching implications for both Zuma and the ANC as they navigate internal conflicts and political pressures.
