Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
01 August 2024 | 10:00 CAT
2 min read

Former president Jacob Zuma has joined the ranks of prominent ANC leaders expelled from the party. The ANC national disciplinary committee found Zuma guilty of prejudicing the organisation’s integrity and reputation for founding and campaigning for the breakaway uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, violating the ANC constitution.

This development places Zuma alongside notable figures such as Bantu Holomisa, Julius Malema, and Ace Magashule, who were also expelled under similar circumstances.

Political analyst Joleen Steyn Kotze, speaking to Radio Islam, pointed out the broader issues at play, particularly the dynamics surrounding the MK party and the hasty manner in which it was established.

“One has to bear in mind it could be a strategic approach. There are also some concerns around protesting, like we saw what happened in July 2021 for argument’s sake, it will be interesting to see how the supporters of Zuma respond both within the MK as well as the ANC,” she said.

Kotze suggested that more importantly the ANC needs to collaborate with the Government of National Unity (GNU) to establish a unified policy direction for the country.

“There is a question of succession, if we look at dynamics within the ANC, there is the question of whose next,” she said.

Despite insisting on an in-person hearing, Zuma’s case was conducted virtually. The MK party, represented by Tony Yengeni, plans to challenge the decision, claiming the disciplinary process was flawed and likening it to apartheid-era persecution.

Zuma has 21 days to appeal the decision.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Political analyst Joleen Steyn Kotze, here.