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Former South African President Jacob Zuma has issued an ultimatum to the African National Congress (ANC), demanding the reinstatement of his party membership by January 31 or facing legal consequences.
In a scathing letter addressed to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and delivered by his legal team, Zuma has accused the party of unlawfully expelling him and violating both its internal constitution and the national Constitution of South Africa.
Zuma was expelled from the ANC on May 29, 2024, following his involvement in the formation of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, a move widely blamed for the ANC’s unprecedented 30-year majority rule loss both nationally and in KwaZulu-Natal. In his letter, Zuma contends that the expulsion was riddled with procedural irregularities, including the ANC’s refusal to allow him to present evidence in person rather than virtually.
Zuma’s legal team has demanded that the ANC provide a comprehensive explanation of the disciplinary committee’s decision, including a “reasoned ruling” and the full record of proceedings. They also called for the immediate reversal of his expulsion, insisting that it remains invalid until proper procedures are followed. Should the ANC fail to comply, Zuma has vowed to seek a court order for his reinstatement and punitive damages against the party.
Zuma’s letter goes further, accusing Mbalula of targeted harassment against his ally Tony Yengeni, the ANC national executive committee member., whom Mbalula recently described as a political Casanova and very ill-disciplined.
“The failure and/or refusal to deal with and repudiate the unlawful and repeated conduct of the ANC Secretary-General in, inter alia, intimidating, victimising and hurling gratuitous insults on Mr. Tony Yengeni, whose only sin is representing President Zuma,” the letter states. Zuma alleges that Mbalula’s interference with the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) also undermined the committee’s independence, particularly its decision not to allow a physical hearing.
“This case is not simply about one individual—it is about safeguarding the rights of all ANC members
Jacob Zuma Foundation
Additionally, Zuma’s legal team condemned the ANC’s inconsistent treatment of members who have faced similar allegations. They cited historical precedents with COPE and SACP members, asserting that Zuma has been unfairly singled out.
The letter further criticised the ANC for failing to hold a public disciplinary process, refusing to postpone the NDC meeting to a mutually agreeable date, and neglecting to hold a prehearing, all of which, according to Zuma, render his expulsion illegal.
The Jacob Zuma Foundation echoed these sentiments in a statement, underscoring the broader implications of the case.
“This case is not simply about one individual—it is about safeguarding the rights of all ANC members and preserving the values that have sustained the organisation for over a century. We remain hopeful that justice and fairness will prevail,” the foundation said.
As the January 31 deadline looms, Zuma’s battle with the ANC intensifies, setting the stage for a potential legal showdown that could further fracture the already embattled ruling party.
The ANC SG’s stinging response to Zuma’s legal bid
In response to the former South African President’s legal bid, Mabalula called Zuma a liar and self-serving. “He’s unreliable and at the same irresponsible,” he said speaking on the sidelines of the ANC’s 113 anniversary celebrations in Robben Island.
Mbalula adde: “The fact that he can turn stones into bread is unbelievable, that a person like Floyd who saw Zuma’s lies, says today that Zuma is not a liar is unbelievable. It’s unforgettable, it’s unrepentable.”
Mbalula also questioned the timing of the letter, saying it seeks to divert them from the unfolding ANC anniversary celebrations.
 party leader Jacob Zuma launches legal bid over ANC illegal expulsion.){kind=link}