By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The governing African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa has postponed a disciplinary hearing against former President Jacob Zuma over security concerns.
The former President accused of anti-party activities against his political family, the ANC, was due to appear before a committee on Tuesday. It has however been postponed to a later date after the election.
The country’s election holds May 29 in which the incumbent President Cyril Ramaphosa is fighting for political survival amidst corruption allegations.
After he established the new uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, the ANC accused Zuma of anti-party activities, contravening its constitution.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said on Sunday that his office had been advised against holding any hearings as they could “attract large gatherings that might result in violent or disruptive behaviour… especially so close to election day”.
The disciplinary committee against Zuma was set up after he openly declared that he would vote against ANC in the elections, while he remains a member.
In January, Zuma who was the President from 2009 to 2018 was suspended from ANC.
Heritage Times reports that he still enjoys considerable followership in South Africa and has recently garnered major media attention.
In 2021, violent protests erupted over the imprisonment of former Zuma.
He handed himself over to police to serve a 15-month jail term for contempt of court.
At least 72 died in the unrest that ensued after Zuma’s imprisonment. There were crowds looting, shops were set ablaze and protesters clashes with the police in major cities.
He was convicted of contempt of court after failing to attend an inquiry into corruption during his presidency.
Last year, Zuma was admitted to the Estcourt Correctional Centre and released from jail. The Correctional Services national commissioner said Zuma’s release was part of a remission program aiming to address prison overcrowding.
