Confusion Over ANC Disciplinary Hearing for Former President Jacob Zuma

Johannesburg, South Africa - Former South African President Jacob Zuma is set to attend a disciplinary hearing at the African National Congress (ANC) headquarters on Tuesday, despite the ruling party's announcement that the meeting has been cancelled due to security concerns.

Zuma was initially summoned by the ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee last Thursday. The summons was issued following his decision to join and lead the newly-formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party in December, while still maintaining his membership with the ANC.

This move has evidently stirred tensions within the party, prompting the call for a disciplinary review.

The ANC had planned to conduct the hearing at its headquarters at Luthuli House in Johannesburg. However, over the weekend, the party announced a postponement of the meeting, citing security concerns as the primary reason for the delay.

An ANC spokesperson reconfirmed to the BBC on Monday that the meeting was not going to take place as scheduled.

Despite the ANC’s cancellation, a spokesperson for the MK party told the BBC that Zuma plans to be present at Luthuli House at 10 am on Tuesday. This discrepancy between the ANC’s statements and Zuma’s intentions has led to confusion and speculation about the proceedings of the disciplinary hearing.

This situation highlights the ongoing internal conflicts within the ANC and underscores the challenges the party faces in managing dissent and maintaining unity amongst its ranks, especially with figures as influential as the former president.

The outcome of this disciplinary action, whether it proceeds on the scheduled date or not, is likely to have significant implications for both Zuma and the ANC moving forward.