COSATU notes the ANC decision to expel former President Zuma
29 July 2024
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) notes the decision of our ally, the African National Congress (ANC) to expel its former President, Jacob Zuma, following a disciplinary hearing last week.
The ANC National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) recommended termination of Zuma’s membership after he was found guilty of breaching the party’s constitution for backing the MK Party and subsequently becoming its leader. Zuma was suspended in January and did not bother to attend his disciplinary hearing despite insisting he will remain a member of the ANC for life.
He was found guilty of contravening the constitution of the ANC by “acting on behalf of or in collaboration with the political organisation or party other than an organisation or party in alliance with the ANC in a manner contrary to the aims, policies and objectives of the ANC”. The former President has 21 days to appeal the decision to terminate his 64-year membership.
Whilst no political party would celebrate expelling a member, let alone a former President, Mr. Zuma, left the ANC with no choice. No self-respecting political party would accept a member, let alone a former leader, remaining within its ranks, whilst leading another political party. In such an instance, Zuma had chosen to expel himself.