By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) has postponed the disciplinary hearing of its former leader Jacob Zuma over security concerns ahead of the national elections.
Zuma is accused of contravening rule 25 of the ANC constitution, which bars party members from organising or participating in activities of another political party who are not in alliance with the ANC.
The hearings were scheduled to commence on Tuesday, and large crowds were anticipated to gather in the city.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula briefed the media on Zuma’s disciplinary process at the party’s Luthuli House headquarters on Sunday.
He told journalists in Johannesburg that the national disciplinary committee has been instructed to put on ice the Zuma hearings, even through digital platforms.
“We said the NDC (national disciplinary committee) must stand in abeyance, including virtual, until after elections. We do not expect anything to take place on Tuesday, as the instruction has been communicated,” said Mbalula.
The NDC has eight members. Two are from the National Executive Committee — Faith Muthambi and Nocawe Mafu. The others are Thandi Orleyn, Enver Surty, Kerensa Millard, Robinson Ramaite and Vusi Pikoli.
According to the ANC constitution, Zuma may be represented by a member in good standing at the hearing.
The NDC has the jurisdiction to expel from the ANC any members they believe are in contravention of rule 25 of the party’s constitution.
“Any member found guilty of the misconduct referred to in Rule 25.5 (m) and (n), shall be ineligible to be or remain a member, and shall be expelled from the organisation,” it reads.
Mbalula said security concerns were the reasons for postponing the hearings against Zuma.
He said there were forces that sought to use the upcoming election to undo the progress of democracy in South Africa, and that it was in this context that the national disciplinary committee was called to consider postponing disciplinary hearings at the party’s headquarters.
“In pursuance of this duty and based on an assessment of the security situation prevailing at Luthuli House the SGO (secretary general office) was advised that activities that have the potential to attract large gatherings that might result in violent or disruptive behaviour are not advisable, especially so close to election day, “Mbalula said.
“This is exacerbated by the activities of certain political parties in organising demonstrations and sit-ins at Luthuli House.”
The secretary general said the ANC’s constitution prescribes that the national executive committee respects the integrity of the national disciplinary committee and thereby takes all necessary steps to support its work, which includes ensuring the safety of its members.
In a clear reference to Zuma, Mbalula said : “These members have in the eyes of ANC members and society effectively constructively resigned or expelled themselves from the ANC. Notwithstanding this reality, the ANC is committed to the rule of law and following the provisions processes set out in the ANC Constitution, including disciplinary processes.
“Some of these elements, including former leaders of the ANC, have through their pronouncements and actions clearly and unambiguously placed themselves outside the ANC through violation of its Constitution, the solemn contract between the organisation and its members.”
There has been ongoing turmoil between the ANC and Zuma since he ditched the ANC for the MK party.
Zuma accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of being an agent of “white monopoly capital” and of being against the progress of black professionals and intellectuals.
“I cannot, and will not, campaign for the ANC of Ramaphosa,” he said.
In January, the ANC suspended Zuma for “actively impugning the integrity of the ANC” by campaigning to dislodge the organisation from power.