By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in KwaZulu-Natal has officially expelled former president Jacob Zuma as its provincial chairperson with immediate effect.
Sanco in KZN said Zuma absconded and he has been replaced by Lawrence Dube as acting chairperson.
The civic movement’s announcement of the expulsion of Zuma comes a week before the ANC holds its manifesto launch in Durban.
Zuma was elected Sanco provincial chairperson last year. Sanco is an ANC alliance partner.
However, last December, Zuma announced he would not vote for the ANC in the upcoming elections, announcing that he would instead campaign for the newly formed MK party.
The MK party was registered with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), but the ANC has gone to the Electoral Court to challenge the name.
The electoral court is expected to hear the matter over the use of the “MK” on March 19.
MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela said whether Zuma remained Sanco provincial chairperson or not, had no bearing on the party.
“These are two separate institutions, and there is no dependence on Sanco.”
“People are attracted to Zuma campaigning for the MK party because they know he is a performer and life was better under his presidency.”