Jacob Zuma to seek legal advice after being expelled from the ANC

The UMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has announced that its leader, Jacob Zuma, will seek legal counsel regarding his expulsion from the African National Congress (ANC).

Earlier this year, the ANC charged and suspended Zuma for contravening the party’s rules when he launched the MK Party [which he currently leads] on 16 December 2023 in Orlando, Soweto. His disciplinary hearing was held virtually week where he was represented by ANC outcast Tony Yengeni.

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The South African previously reported that a document dated 29 July containing the outcome of the ANC National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) meeting was leaked on Sunday.

As per the document, the NDC found Zuma “guilty of contravening Rule 25 of the ANC constitution for prejudicing the integrity or repute of the organisation by acting in collaboration with a registered political party, to wit the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, which is not in alliance with the ANC, in a manner contrary to the aims, policies, and objectives of the ANC.”

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said an examination of the leaked document reveals that the disciplinary process was not only profoundly flawed but also conducted in a manner akin to a kangaroo court. 

Ndhlela said this situation is exacerbated by the ANC’s contradictory behaviour, initially scheduling a physical hearing in May only to withdraw this commitment later.

“Moreover, the document details intimidation tactics employed by Fikile Mbalula against Yengeni, further tainting the procedural integrity of this process,” Ndhlela said.

On whether or not Zuma will appeal the decision, considering he once said he would die a member of the ANC, Ndhlela said Zuma will engage his legal team urgently to determine the course of action and ensure that justice is served. 

He added, “Upon the conclusion of such consultations, Zuma will announce further actions based on the guidance of these consultations.”