By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) has upheld the suspension of the ex-party Provincial Treasurer in Mpumalanga, Mandla Msibi.
Msibi was found guilty of trying to sabotage the ANC’s January 8 celebrations at the Mbombela Stadium by organising a protest.
Briefing the media on Monday, the party’s secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, said the protest could have put people’s lives in danger.
“The planning for the march had gone beyond the stage of attempt, and the evidence of the provincial secretary showed that the organisers, including the appellant, were defiant and not prepared to heed the call of ANC national and provincial leaders to review their resolution and call off the march.
There was nothing political about the approach of the organisers nor was there any justification for their actions. It was transactional in nature – you accede to our demand regarding the Nkosi City Development Project and we will attend your January 8 celebration.
Had the march materialised, it would not only have seriously prejudiced the reputation of the organisation but could potentially have led to violent clashes with members and supporters in the Stadium, resulting in damage to property, injury and loss of life,” says Mbalula.
Mbalula says the NDC has taken into consideration the grounds of appeal it upheld that there was an improper splitting of charges which would have necessitated the imposition of a lesser sanction.
“After considering these two competing factors, the NDC has decided not to interfere with the sanction imposed by the PDC which it considers to be appropriate in the circumstances,” adds Mbalula.
Meanwhile It’s unclear whether former President Jacob Zuma will appeal his expulsion from the ANC at this stage.
The ANC’s expulsion of a leader who once held the highest position within the party has been a long time coming, severing ties that began in 1959.
Zuma’s association with the MK Party, a party named after the ANC’s former armed wing, shook the ANC both internally and at the May polls. He was allowed a maximum of 21 days to appeal the ruling of the NDC.