By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) has once again postponed the disciplinary hearing of former president Jacob Zuma – this time to the 23rd of July 2024.
In the hearing,Zuma was represented by ANC NEC member, Tony Yengeni, who told the Disciplinary Committee that Zuma would like to attend the hearing physically.
The hearing was initially scheduled to be held virtually.
Two months ago, Luthuli House postponed the first physical hearing over security concerns.
He also said he would like the hearing to be open to the public.
The ANC is charging Zuma for violating rule 25 of the party’s constitution after he campaigned for and voted for his new political home, the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).
According to the ANC constitution’s rule 25, Zuma’s actions to not campaign or vote for the ANC are tantamount to a breach of the party’s constitution.
- That he acted “on behalf of or in collaboration with a political organisation or party other than an organisation or party in the alliance of the ANC in a manner contrary to the aims, policies and objectives of the ANC”; and
- For “joining or supporting 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”.
An MK party media statement revealed the party was pleased to learn of the postponement despite their leader demanding a physical hearing.
“After a lengthy debate the NDC ruled that the matter will proceed on the virtual platform, the NDC however granted the postponement in order to allow Yengeni to convey the outcome to Zuma and enable the holding of a pre-hearing conference,” MK Party said in a statement.
“Zuma is very happy to have been granted this opportunity. Naturally, in the meantime he will consult with his representative and other relevant stakeholders before making a decision on the next course of action.
“Umkhonto Wesizwe wishes to add its voice to the call for openness and transparency in this important process. Those who have nothing to hide must live up to the rights and values enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.”
Zuma launched MK Party last December in Soweto and said he would vote for it and not the ANC of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The MK Party is now the third largest party with 14.58% nationally following the election results. It has 58 seats in the National Assembly and 37 seats in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provincial legislature with 45.35%.
Despite the fact that his party received a majority from zero, Zuma said he was still a member of the ANC.
The NEC initially opted not to expel the former president as an ANC member as that would require longer disciplinary processes, which at the time was believed he would not attend.