NDCA STATEMENT ON THE APPEAL HEARING

The National Disciplinary Committee of Appeals, of the African National Congress, met today (12 April 2012) as scheduled, to receive appeals presentations from Comrades; Julius Malema, Sindiso Magaqa and Floyd Shivambu and  as well as from the respondent, the ANC.

The appellants submitted a request that the hearing be postponed on the grounds that their legal representative was not available. The NDCA turned down the request and insisted on the continuation of the hearing. The appellants submitted a request to introduce a new legal representative. The NDCA granted the request on the condition that the new representative be available within an hour. In compliance to the condition, Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane appeared for the appellants.

As the new legal representative of the appellants, Advocate Sikhakhane requested that he be given a chance to peruse and familiarize himself with the heads of argument. The NDCA agreed to postpone the hearing with a proviso that the new legal representative will submit the appellants' heads of argument by the 18th April 2012 in writing.

Upon receiving the heads of argument, the respondents will submit their written heads of argument on the 20thApril 2012.  Upon receiving the written submissions the NDCA will sit and consider these and take a decision.  Once a decision is taken a public announcement will be made in line with the directives of the ANC Constitution. The parties have agreed that the appeal will proceed through written submissions rather than oral hearing.

Statement issued by Cyril Ramaphosa, Chairperson of NDCA, April 12 2012

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