STATEMENT ON ANC KANGAROO COURT AND LEAKING OF NDC OUTCOMES

29 July 2024

Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), and on behalf of President Jacob Zuma, expresses profound shock and dismay upon learning from media sources about an alleged leak from the ANC National Disciplinary Committee. The leak pertains to a ruling that reportedly announces the expulsion of President Jacob Zuma.

We can only confirm this as an act that appears to be a deliberate attempt by the ANC of Ramaphosa to undermine President Zuma. Alarmingly, neither President Zuma nor his designated representative, Comrade Tony Yengeni, were informed of this ruling—a stark violation of both the ANC Constitution and the Constitution of South Africa.

It is a foundational legal principle that no individual, not even those accused of serious crimes, should be punished or sentenced in their absence. This principle is designed to protect against miscarriages of justice, which sadly, this scenario closely mirrors, resembling a trial conducted through the media.

This is clearly a continuation of an apartheid style and trend, wherein President Zuma was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment without fair trial nor an option of a fine. The ANC's behaviour in this case, is synonymous with that of the Zondo commission, where President Zuma was arrested for requesting that Zondo recuse himself as he was conflicted in the matter. Why must the law always be applied clandestinely and differently to President Zuma as opposed to every other person.

An examination of the leaked document reveals that the disciplinary process was not only profoundly flawed but also conducted in a manner akin to a kangaroo court. This situation is exacerbated by the ANC's contradictory behavior, initially scheduling a physical hearing in May, only to later withdraw this commitment. Moreover, the document details intimidation tactics employed by Fikile Mbalula against Comrade Yengeni, further tainting the procedural integrity of this process.

This leak is not an isolated incident but the climax of a series of repressive actions that disturbingly echo tactics once used during apartheid—an era from which the current ANC leadership under Ramaphosa and its coalition partners, the DA, seem to have drawn inspiration.

Umkhonto we Sizwe will not passively watch as these grave injustices against its leader unfold. President Zuma will engage his legal team to urgently determine the course of action and ensure that justice is served. Upon such the conclusion of consultations, President Zuma will announce further actions based on the guidance of these consultations.

Statement issued by Nhlamulo Ndhlela, Umkhonto Wesizwe Party, 29 July 2024