ANC finds former President Jacob Zuma guilty and expels him from the Party

The African National Congress (ANC) has decided to expel former President Jacob Zuma following the party’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) hearings held on July 23, 2024. The long-serving political party made this decision based on charges of misconduct against Zuma.

In a statement issued by the ANC, the outcomes of the disciplinary hearings for Jacob Zuma and Mandla Sibisi, conducted behind closed doors on an online platform, were addressed. The ANC found the former president guilty of violating Rule 25.17 of the party’s constitution, which prohibits members from collaborating with political parties not allied with the ANC.

“The charged member [Jacob Zuma] is found guilty of contravening Rule 25.17.17.4 of the ANC Constitution, read with subsection (2), for prejudicing the integrity or repute of the Organisation by acting in collaboration with a registered political party, to wit the uMkhonto We Sizwe Party, which is not in alliance with the ANC, in a manner contrary to the aims, policies, and objectives of the ANC,” the statement read.

As a result, Zuma has been expelled from the ANC. He has the right to appeal to the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal within 21 days.

At a media briefing on Monday, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula elaborated on Zuma’s actions, indicating that they clearly demonstrated his intention to leave the ANC. Mbalula stated, “Zuma moved from the announcement [that he was going to vote for MK in the general elections] to becoming a leader of MK (uMkhonto weSizwe Party).”

“[Zuma] even fought in courts to lead the party to go to Parliament. So that shows how serious he was about leaving the ANC and forming a party, fighting to become its leader legally and so on. So it shows that he moved many steps further,” Mbalula added.

Mbalula concluded by affirming the ANC’s position: “As the ANC, we are happy that we have reached this stage. We will defend our actions to the end in relation to Jacob Zuma. We believe politically and morally and otherwise we’re on the right path.”