Former president Jacob Zuma has demanded reinstatement as a member of the ANC, threatening legal action if the party fails to comply by 31 January 2025. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula responded by calling Zuma a “liar” and accusing him of seeking personal gain at the party’s expense.
Zuma’s Legal Threat
Zuma’s lawyers sent a letter to Mbalula on 8 January, claiming that his expulsion from the ANC was “unlawful.” The letter raised concerns about the processes followed by the party’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) and the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal (NDCA). Zuma warned he would pursue legal action if his membership was not reinstated by the end of January.
Mbalula’s Scathing Response
During the ANC’s door-to-door campaign, Mbalula dismissed Zuma’s letter as a calculated move, saying:
“He deliberately chose the ANC’s 113th birthday to send his love letter. That’s how he operates—mischievous, uncouth, and self-serving. He thrives on disunity and serves no one but himself.”
Accusations of Lies
Mbalula called Zuma a “liar” and accused him of misleading the public.
“There’s a long list of untruths Zuma has told South Africans. He’s unreliable, self-serving, and irresponsible. If he disputes this, let him explain why. We’ll hold him accountable because he’s no longer an ANC member,” Mbalula said.
He added, “Zuma’s claim that he can turn stones into bread is absurd. The ANC will deal with him firmly and consistently going forward.”
ANC Defends Its Actions
Mbalula reaffirmed the ANC’s commitment to following its constitution. “We’ve acted within the law and will defend the integrity and discipline of the ANC. Zuma can take us to court or pursue whatever course of action he deems necessary,” he said.
Zuma’s Grievances
The Jacob Zuma Foundation, through its spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi, argued that Zuma’s demand for reinstatement reflects broader concerns about the ANC’s direction.
“There’s growing concern that the ANC is led by individuals acting against the movement’s historic mission,” Manyi said. He accused the party of compromising its principles through coalitions with the DA and FF Plus.
Call for Fairness
The foundation urged the ANC to ensure fairness and consistency in disciplinary actions.
“This is about more than one individual. It’s about protecting the rights of all ANC members and preserving the values that have sustained the organization for over a century,” the statement read.
Zuma’s Expulsion
The ANC expelled Zuma in July 2024 after the NDC found him guilty of forming the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party in violation of rule 25 of the ANC’s constitution. Zuma was absent from the disciplinary hearing, which led to his expulsion.
Despite his expulsion, Zuma maintains that his loyalty lies with the ANC, saying in May 2024, “I was ready to die for the ANC. I went to prison and exile, unlike some of today’s leaders who don’t know what sacrifice means.”
ANC Faces Internal Struggles
The Zuma saga underscores growing tensions within the ANC. As the deadline for his reinstatement looms, the party must navigate its response while maintaining discipline and unity in the face of internal and external pressures.