Jacob Zuma to appeal his expulsion from ANC

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The Jacob Zuma Foundation has rejected the former president’s expulsion from the African National Congress (ANC).

On Friday, the National Disciplinary Committee Appeal (NDCA) confirmed the decision saying it reaffirms its commitment to revolutionary morality, revolutionary discipline, and democratic centralism. 

The committee said discipline is a core foundation of the movement, ensuring unity of purpose and unity in action.

“It is during testing moments of trial and challenge that the most advanced cadres are distinguished by their unwavering commitment to the principles which have held this movement together, respect for organisational processes, and loyalty to the collective decisions of the movement. 

“Zuma’s behaviour exemplifies the highest form of ill-discipline and a direct assault on the historical mission of the ANC. 

“By establishing and leading a rival 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. 

“The selfless commitment to the NDR demands that cadres place the collective movement and its processes above their ambitions and organisational discipline compels adherence to the movement’s decisions, even in the face of adversity, National spokesperson Mahlangu Bhengu-Motsiri remarked. 

She highlighted 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 the movement and society. 

She continued; “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 renew and confront the pressing challenges facing South Africa. 

“This severe breach of our organisational foundation necessitated his expulsion to safeguard the ANC’s integrity and ensure that the unity of the organisation remains in form and content.”

Speaking through his foundation, spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi said they have noted the decision to expel its patron, Zuma, from his 65-year-long membership of the ANC.

“Zuma strongly rejects the notion that the ANC under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa has the authority to expel him from the movement to which he has dedicated his life. 

Zuma to consult on the way forward

‘In the the coming days, Zuma, will consult with his legal team, his ANC representative, Tony Yengeni, his family, and his political comrades to deliberate on the way forward,” he remarked. 

Manyi stated that once a decision has been reached, it will be communicated to the nation. 

Meanwhile, the Congress of the People(COPE) said Zuma’s expulsion proves that those who left to form COPE made the right decision by refusing to follow a leader with moral issues.

According to acting national spokesperson, Pakes Dikgetsi, even though Zuma’s criminal history was known, the ANC still supported his, causing serious harm.

“The expulsion of Jacob [Zuma] vindicates the correctness of the ethically and politically moral position of those who voluntarily resigned to form the Congress of the People(COPE).

“Men and women of integrity and high moral standing in the body politic could not tolerate being led by a morally and ethically compromised individual.

“We can confidently assert that “we warned you”. You woke up extremely late when the damage to the once glorious movement and a better life for the people was done,” he expressed. 

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Dikgetsi took a swipe at the ANC’s claim to “commitment to revolutionary morality, revolutionary discipline” adding that it is disingenuous and smacks of desperation as they get exposed daily for corrupt conduct.

He further said history records that their “democratic centralism” aided and abetted the Jacob Zuma wrecking ball.