@scrollaafrica Virtual hearing for Zuma to prevent ANC and MK clashes. #Zuma #ANC #MK #Hearing #Virtual ♬ original sound Scrolla.Africa
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party organisers were hoping Jacob Zuma would be allowed to physically attend his disciplinary hearing at Luthuli House but the hearing will now be held virtually.
Zuma would have been planning to come out and address his supporters, a strategy that would turn the sessions into mini-campaign rallies for Zuma and the MK party.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula said the hearing would be held virtually to avoid a confrontation between MK and ANC supporters.
ANC supporters do not take kindly to political parties that march to its headquarters in the Johannesburg CBD.
Despite this, a few dozen MK party supporters gathered at Gandhi Square saying they did not receive messages from the leadership that the gathering was suspended.
The ANC charged Zuma with bringing the party into disrepute after he formed the MK party, campaigned for it, and encouraged ANC members to vote for the new party.
Zuma did all this while insisting he would not leave the ANC.
In a previous appearance, Zuma was represented by his friend and ANC veteran Tony Yengeni, who stated Zuma’s intention to remain a member of the ANC.
On Monday night, MK’s Gauteng provincial coordinator issued a statement calling off the planned MK party march to Luthuli House.
“The ANC of Ramaphosa has denied President Jacob Zuma an opportunity to present himself in its kangaroo court at its head office at Luthuli House.
“Because of this, all MK party structures and members are requested to suspend the planned appearance with ubaba at Luthuli House since he won’t be there.”
The Zuma hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, 23 July.
This article was updated to include that some MK members gathered at Gandhi Square despite the march being called off.
Pictured above: Jacob Zuma.
Source: File
