Former South African President Jacob Zuma has issued an ultimatum to the African National Congress (ANC), demanding the reinstatement of his membership to the party by January 31, 2025.
Zuma’s lawyers have sent a letter to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, arguing that his expulsion was unlawful and in breach of the ANC Constitution and the South African Constitution.
Zuma was suspended from the ANC in 2024 for launching the MK Party, which he currently leads, without the party’s approval.
His disciplinary hearing was held virtually in July, and he was represented by ANC outcast Tony Yengeni.
Despite appealing the decision, the ANC’s national disciplinary committee of appeals upheld the suspension in November.
The Jacob Zuma Foundation has accused the ANC of selective disciplinary actions and fictional vendettas, urging the party to prioritize fairness, consistency, and adherence to its founding principles.
Zuma’s lawyers have highlighted significant procedural and substantive concerns regarding the processes undertaken by the ANC’s national disciplinary committee and national disciplinary committee of appeals.
If the ANC fails to reinstate Zuma’s membership, he may explore legal remedies to protect his constitutional and contractual rights as a loyal member of the ANC for 65 years.
The MK Party’s constitution prohibits its members from belonging to another political party, except in exceptional circumstances and with approval from national officials and the high command.
The development comes as the Jacob Zuma Foundation accuses Mbalula of intimidating and victimizing Tony Yengeni, who will face a disciplinary hearing for bringing the organization into disrepute.
