The highly anticipated disciplinary hearing of former ANC president Jacob Zuma was postponed on Saturday until after the elections amid fears in Luthuli House that it could spark violent clashes.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula wrote to the chair of the the party’s national disciplinary committee (NDC), Ralph Mgijima, advising him to postpone the hearing for security reasons.
“Based on an assessment of the security situation prevailing at Luthuli House, we are advised that activities, including disciplinary hearings, that attract large gatherings, are not advisable as they have the potential to result in violence, especially so close to the national and provincial elections scheduled for May 29,” wrote Mbalula.
“Accordingly the ANC officials have decided that such activities should be held in abeyance until after the elections, this includes the NDC hearing of JG Zuma.”
He told the Sunday Times: “A security issue was raised and we were advised not to hold the hearing.”
But with elections just weeks away and Zuma happy to play the victim at every turn, there may be fears that the ANC's capitulation will play into the hands of the former president and his MK Party.
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