Expert believes ANC’s move against Zuma comes too late

As the disciplinary committee of the African National Congress (ANC) prepares for former president Jacob Zuma‘s appearance, summoned for Tuesday’s hearing, a political analyst suggests that the ANC’s decisive action is overdue.

Zuma faces charges of defying the ANC’s constitution after publicly declaring support for the newly-formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) opposition party, which he now leads ahead of the May 29 polls.

Prof André Duvenhage, speaking to broadcaster Newsroom Afrika, expressed that the ANC leadership showed reluctance to act against Zuma when he declared allegiance to an opposition party.

“When the Zuma issue arose, the ANC leadership chose not to act. Zuma cleverly supported the MK party without resigning from the ANC, leaving the ANC leadership hesitant to act for fear of splitting the party,” Duvenhage said.

He criticized the timing of the ANC’s decision to take action, noting that it coincides with a significant election threat facing the party.

Duvenhage highlighted declining support for the ANC, with recent surveys projecting victory below 50 per cent and even dipping below 40 per cent after the formation of the MK party.

While the ANC now appears ready to take drastic action, Duvenhage criticized the lack of strong leadership from President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“It seems Ramaphosa is apprehensive about the implications of acting against Jacob Zuma,” he remarked.

The ANC’s disciplinary committee has scheduled Zuma’s hearing for Tuesday at Luthuli House, the ANC’s headquarters in Johannesburg Central.

The ANC has been uncertain about Zuma’s party membership status, as he now leads the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which he launched in December, affirming his allegiance to it