Former African National Congress (ANC) President Jacob Zuma is set to fight his expulsion which was upheld by the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal (NDCA), JG Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi confirmed yesterday (Saturday).
His comments followed the NDCA’s move to uphold the decision of the National Disciplinary Committee to expel Zuma from the ANC for bringing the party into disrepute by forming the uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
Speaking to Sunday Tribune, Manyi described the disciplinary process as flawed and one whose decision had already been taken.
“This was a very reckless decision. President Zuma will fight this because it was unfair. Had they given him a chance to present his case they would have arrived at a different conclusion,” said Manyi.
He explained that when the decision to expel him was taken, Zuma had been attending a funeral in Estcourt in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
According to Manyi, Zuma will at some point address the nation on the ANC’s decision.
“For now the president is working with different structures ahead of the December celebrations and I can tell you right now that there is an avalanche of people that are joining uMkhonto weSizwe Party,” the foundation spokesperson said.
Zuma’s expulsion comes days after the MK Party’s leadership expressed confidence in being part of government in KZN next year working alongside the ANC.
In explaining the ANC’s decision, party national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said Zuma’s behaviour exemplified the highest form of ill-discipline and a direct assault on the historical mission of the ANC.
“By establishing and leading a rival political party, he abandoned the core values of organisational loyalty and collective accountability, converting himself into a tool for destabilisation. The ANC’s traditions do not call for unity for its own sake, devoid of critical reflection, engagement, and accountability,” she said.
Bhengu- Motsiri added that as a former president of the ANC, Zuma was expected to embody the highest standards of disciplined leadership and advanced cadres who serve as guides and inspiration for all members of our movement and society.
“Instead, his actions have undermined the unity and cohesion of the movement at a time when it is critical to consolidate and push forward with organisational renewal and confront the pressing challenges facing South Africa,” she said.
She described the formation of the MK Party as a severe breach of organisational foundation, adding that this necessitated his expulsion to safeguard the ANC’s integrity and ensure that the unity of the organisation remained in form and content.
“Unity is not a given, it is achieved in active struggle, and built on the collective disciplined actions of conscious actions of leaders and members alike. The ANC will never permit an individual, regardless of stature or historical contribution to undermine its mission to build a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous society.”
Bhengu-Motsiri said the decision to expel Zuma must serve as a reminder that no individual is greater than the ANC.