Cape Town – Former president and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party leader Jacob Zuma has reportedly demanded that the African National Congress (ANC) conduct his disciplinary hearing in person rather than virtually.
Scheduled for Wednesday at 10am, Zuma, who remains an ANC member, faces charges related to endorsing the MK party and appearing on its candidate list, allegedly violating ANC rules.
The ANC had initially planned to hold Zuma’s disciplinary hearing at Luthuli House in Johannesburg ahead of the elections, EWN reported.
However, they had to cancel it due to concerns about potential clashes between ANC and MK Party supporters outside the headquarters.
The ANC then opted for a virtual hearing to address the issues without risking violence or further delays.
But the MK party insists on a physical hearing; otherwise, Zuma may seek a court order to stop the proceedings.
JUST IN:
Former President Jacob Zuma has issued an ultimatum to the ANC on his disciplinary hearing set for Wednesday at 10am to schedule a physical hearing instead of a virtual hearing, failing which he will seek an urgent court interdict to stop the hearing from going ahead. pic.twitter.com/OyyPqcSoPl— Ismail Abramjee (@IsmailAbramjee) July 16, 2024
He will be represented by Tony Yengeni, a veteran ANC member and MK commander, arguing the virtual hearing is unjust.
According to The Citizen, MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela stated that the party has sent a written request to the ANC disciplinary committee, asking for Zuma to attend the hearing in person.
“The ANC Disciplinary Committee has not yet responded to a request made by President Zuma’s lawyers that the hearing should be take place at a physical venue, and in person as previously agreed between the parties per the relevant provisions of the ANCs Constitution.
“We should further reflect on the fact that the same DC representatives had previously confirmed President Zuma’s attendance at Luthuli House for the kangaroo court to be attended in person, but suddenly decided at a whim to postpone the in person hearing amid a pre-election climate because of so called fictitious security fears expressed by the ANC of Ramaphosa to be held at the venue decided by them,” the report quoted Ndlela as saying.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@joy_zelda
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
