Former President Jacob Zuma
By Thabo Mosia
Former President Jacob Zuma has reiterated his demand for a physical, public hearing for his disciplinary case, challenging the African National Congress (ANC) National Disciplinary Committee’s (NDC) decision to proceed with virtual sessions.
On Wednesday, Zuma’s long-time ally, Tony Yengeni, represented him at the disciplinary hearing. The MK Party’s spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, highlighted that according to the ANC’s rule 25 of the constitution, Zuma is entitled to be represented by any member of the party.
“In this regard, and in line with these provisions, President Zuma will be represented by a long-standing Struggle veteran, former ANC NEC member, and Commander of uMkhonto weSizwe comrade Tony Yengeni. President Zuma believes that Commander Tony Yengeni is well-placed as a seasoned Commander of uMkhonto weSizwe to represent him in the kangaroo court convened against him by the sellout ANC of Ramaphosa, Steenhuisen, and Groenewald,” Ndhlela stated.
Despite being available to attend an online meeting, Zuma has persistently requested to attend the disciplinary meeting in person. However, his requests have not been acknowledged.
Following the hearing, Yengeni expressed his satisfaction with the proceedings. “I actually enjoyed the robust ANC DC hearing today, representing the former ANC President cde JZ. As an ANC member in good standing, thanks to the chair cde Enver,” Yengeni commented.
On 17 July 2024, the MK Party issued a statement regarding Zuma’s disciplinary hearing, reflecting their support and satisfaction with the positive report from Yengeni. “Umkhonto Wesizwe is pleased to learn from President Zuma that he has received a very positive report from his representative Tony Yengeni indicating that everything went well at the ANC Disciplinary Committee hearing which ended earlier this afternoon.
Yengeni attended the virtual meeting alone to convey the clear message that President Zuma prefers a physical hearing as previously agreed between himself and the ANC and as per the provisions of the ANC Constitution. Secondly, he applied for a postponement to a future date when such a physical hearing can be convened.
After a lengthy debate, the NDC ruled that the matter will proceed on the virtual platform. However, the NDC granted the postponement to allow Yengeni to convey the outcome to President Zuma and enable the holding of a pre-hearing conference. The proposed date for the next hearing is 23 July 2024. President Zuma is very happy to have been granted this opportunity. Naturally, in the meantime, he will consult with his representative and other relevant stakeholders before making a decision on the next course of action. Until then, he remains of the strongest view that, in these exceptional circumstances, the hearing should not only be physical but also open to the public.
Due to the understandable public interest and enquiries we are receiving on this matter, we will continuously update our members and the public on any new developments regarding President Zuma and this unfortunate harassment by the sellout ANC of Ramaphosa. Umkhonto Wesizwe wishes to add its voice to the call for openness and transparency in this important process. Those who have nothing to hide must live up to the rights and values enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. We stand by our President! Victory is certain!” concluded the statement.
The ANC also provided an update on the disciplinary hearing. The NDC session on 17 July 2024 convened as planned and received representations from Yengeni. The session was held virtually. The NDC ruled that the hearing will continue on the virtual platform and set the date for the next hearing on 23 July 2024 at 10h00. A second pre-hearing conference will be held virtually on 18 July 2024 at 12h00.
The ANC clarified that neither the pre-hearing conference nor the actual disciplinary hearing will be open to the public or the media. The verdict will be announced once the committee has reviewed all arguments. Zuko Godlimpi, Acting National Spokesperson, emphasized that the timeline for this process depends on the deliberations’ scope and the issues under consideration.
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