Cape Town — The African National Congress (ANC) have been criticised by political analysts over its handling of the disciplinary hearing against former president, Jacob Zuma.
The ruling party announced that it would delay the disciplinary hearing against Zuma, citing security concerns and potential violence. This decision was seen as win for the former president as he face charges of breaching ANC rules by campaigning for the new uMkhonto weSizwe party (MK). The postponement was linked to fears of unrest ahead of the upcoming national and provincial elections.
The ANC didn’t think President Zuma will agreed to attend his DC now they are changing they plans 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/IQzLPNZoCe
— Mbongiseni Mbatha (@Mbatha10) May 4, 2024
According to The Citizen, many political analysts have criticised the ANC over its decision, saying the ANC hesitated to act against Zuma after he campaigned for the MK party, as it did not want to create divisions within the party.
“The ANC is very concerned about its support base. As a result of that, they decided to take disciplinary action against Zuma. [He] is controlling the political scene to the extent that the ANC is concerned about taking him on because it may backfire in the few weeks away from the election,” Andre Duvenhage said.
Political analyst, Sandile Swana, said conducting a disciplinary hearing just three weeks before elections was too late due to Zuma’s unpredictability and said the message conveyed that the ANC’s decision making was faulty. He added the ANC’s decision gave the MK leader the upper hand.
“However, this time, fire will be met with fire if they try the same tricks on Zuma. So, tactically and strategically, Zuma still has the upper hand in this entire drama between MK and the ANC,” he said.
Political analyst, Dr Ongama Mtimka says that ANC’s postponement of former president Jacob Zuma’s disciplinary hearing was ‘politically’ helpful. Mtimka says strategically it was a good call to avoid violence.
Watch: https://t.co/zt2zWwTqKU pic.twitter.com/BScFpQ2v3D
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 5, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
