ANC Upholds Jacob Zuma's Expulsion following rejection of his appeal

The ANC’s Disciplinary Appeals Committee (NDCA) has upheld the decision to expel former party president Jacob Zuma. This followed his suspension in January and subsequent expulsion in July for endorsing the newly-formed Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party ahead of the 2024 elections, a move the ANC deemed highly undisciplined.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri described Zuma’s actions as a "direct assault on the ANC’s historical mission," adding that his behavior undermined unity within the party. "By establishing and leading a rival political party, he abandoned the core values of organisational loyalty and collective accountability," she said.

Zuma’s troubles began in December last year when he announced support for the MK Party while claiming he would remain an ANC member. In January, the ANC suspended him but waited until after the elections to pursue further disciplinary action.

After numerous delays, including safety concerns at Luthuli House and disputes over representation, the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) held a virtual hearing in July, ultimately deciding to expel Zuma. He appealed the ruling, but the NDCA reaffirmed it in October.

Bhengu-Motsiri emphasized that the ANC cannot allow any individual to "undermine its mission to build a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous society."

Zuma’s expulsion highlights the ANC’s effort to protect its integrity and focus on unity during challenging times.