Lawyers representing former president and current leader of uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) Jacob Zuma have sent a letter to the ANC requesting that his membership be reinstated. The ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) found him guilty of misconduct and resolved that he be expelled from the organisation.
Zuma believes his membership was unfairly terminated. In the letter sent to the ANC on Wednesday, his lawyers outlined significant procedural and substantive concerns regarding the process undertaken by the party’s NDC and the Disciplinary Committee of Appeal.
“These issues, detailed in the attached document highlight irregularities that we believe an independent legal review would likely find invalid. H.E President Zuma has requested that the ANC address this matter and announce his reinstatement by 31 January 2025,” the lawyers said.
Zuma threatens to take legal steps should the party fail to meet his request.
“Should this not occur, he may have no choice but to explore legal remedies to protect his constitutional and contractual rights as a loyal member of the ANC for 65 years”.
The letter further condemned the announcement made by ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula at a media briefing in Cape Town that the party is preparing to charge Zuma’s representative, Tony Yengeni and Obed Bapela for bringing the party into disrepute.
“Such conduct not only contravenes the ANC Constitution but also undermines the integrity of the organization’s internal processes. Despite these challenges, Comrade Yengeni, a disciplined member of the ANC remains committed to representing H.E President Zuma in accordance with the principles of fairness and justice”, reads the letter.
The lttr further states that Mbalula’s remarks extend beyond individual grievances, reflecting deeper concerns about the ANC’s current trajectory.