By Zukile Majova
The ANC has postponed the scheduled disciplinary hearing of Jacob Zuma, who now leads the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party.
The party has been intimidated by threats that hundreds of MK party supporters planned to march to Luthuli House to support Zuma on the day of the disciplinary hearing.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula said the party received a security assessment report that advised it to postpone the hearing scheduled for 7 May.
“In pursuance of this duty and based on an assessment of the security situation prevailing at Luthuli House, the secretary general 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.
“This is exacerbated by the activities of certain political parties in organising demonstrations and sit-ins at Luthuli House,” the party said on Sunday.
Initially Zuma said he would support the MK campaign and vote for the MK but would remain a member of the ANC. But the MK has updated its leadership structure and instructed the Electoral Commission (IEC) that Zuma is now the leader of the party.
“Since being suspended, Zuma has taken a decision to become a leader of the MK party. He has shown a determination to be outside the ANC. He has written his own history outside the ANC. Since that time, he has shown no remorse but to remain outside the ANC,” said Mbalula.
He said the ANC normally preferred to correct its members and leaders and did not set out to expel them.
“However, as renewal gains momentum those whose conduct is in conflict with our values and principles – the criminals, the corrupt, the careerists and factionalists, and those who actively work against the organisation – will find themselves outside the ANC.”
The charges against Zuma stem from his alleged breach of the ANC constitution by contesting the elections as the leader of the MK.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, and former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe have all called on the ANC to follow its disciplinary guidelines and not expel Zuma without a hearing.
Pictured Above: ANC Secretary-general Fikile Mbalula.
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