Luthuli House Security Concerns Lead ANC to Delay Jacob Zuma’s Hearing Until After Elections

• The African National Congress has addressed the reasons behind postponing Jacob Zuma's hearing
• The ANC's Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, spoke to the media on Sunday, saying the party did not want to cause unnecessary disruptions just before the elections
• Zuma was scheduled to appear before the party's disciplinary committee on Tuesday but will now face them at a later date

Trisha Pillay is a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Johannesburg. With degrees in Journalism and International Politics, she delved into the intricacies of political landscapes at The Citizen newspaper, African News Network, and Newzroom Afrika. Pillay has also completed a training course from Google News Initiative.

JOHANNESBURG - ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula addressed concerns surrounding the Jacob Zuma hearing on Sunday, revealing that it will be postponed until after the elections.

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ANC clears the air

The decision stems from advice given to Luthuli House against hosting large gatherings close to Election Day, especially amid potential disruptive activities by certain political parties.

Mbalula stressed respecting the National Disciplinary Committee's independence and integrity. He pointed out safety concerns at Luthuli House and advised the ANC was cautious about in-person meetings.

Mbalula said:

"The SGO was advised that activities that have the potential to attract large gatherings that might result in violent or disruptive behaviour are not advisable, especially so close to Election Day. This is exacerbated by the activities of certain political parties in organising demonstrations and sit-ins at Luthuli House.

"It was in this context that the NDC was requested to be mindful of these concerns and consider holding in abeyance any disciplinary proceedings that require in-person meetings at Luthuli House until after the 2024 elections.

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ANC’s Thabo Mbeki criticises MK party leader Jacob Zuma, supports President Ramaphosa’s leadership

"The ANC Constitution enjoins the NEC and the Secretary General’s Office (SGO) to respect the integrity and independence of the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) and to take all steps necessary to support its work, including ensuring the safety of its members."

SA not surprised

South Africans are convinced that the MK party leader has more power than the ANC lets the public believe.

Here are some of the reactions:

@Mampara of The Week joked

"Zuma gives you chest pains and sleepless nights."

@Sebastian Sthabiso shared:

"I didn't know that Mabuza was bribed at Nasrec, did you?"

@Chris Sefate expressed:

"But believe me, most of our youth won't vote for the past to please Abo Mkhulu, who did nothing about land and economic activities,"

@SimphiweMabuya4 commented:

"All sellouts are out there campaigning for their bosses."

@Chirandu

"Voting ANC out of government will be for the betterment of SADC."

@Sempo shared:

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Meeting between IEC and US ambassador to SA not strange: Stellenbosch professor

"You are so focused on winning. Clean out what's happening in your party; leave Zuma alone."

ANC postpones Jacob Zuma’s disciplinary hearing

In a related story, Briefly News reported that the African National Congress (ANC) postponed Jacob Zuma's hearing over security fears ahead of the national elections.

The ANC has charged the former president with contravening the party's constitution for his embrace of the MK Party. Zuma was scheduled to appear before the party's disciplinary committee on Tuesday.

Source: Briefly News