Former President Jacob Zuma has reignited his fight to claw back his ANC membership, giving the party an ultimatum to reinstate him or face legal action.
In a letter of demand issued on Wednesday, January 8 and addressed to ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula, Zuma’s lawyers say his expulsion is illegal and he must be allowed back to his former political home before the end of this month.
The ANC expelled Zuma late last year for founding and leading the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party.
“We are instructed to inform you that the aforesaid expulsion was illegal and/or in breach of both the ANC Constitution and/or the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa for various grounds including, but not limited to: the failure and/or refusal of the ANC to accede to the requirement to hold the disciplinary process and/or the appeal hearing physically more so after having agreed to do so but inexplicably somersaulting on the said agreement,” reads part of a letter Zuma’s lawyers sent to Mbalula.
The lawyers further argue that Zuma was treated unfairly as other ANC leaders who associated themselves with splinter parties were treated with kid gloves.
“Most importantly, the inconsistent treatment given to President Zuma by the ANC compared to others who had acted no differently from him, for example certain leaders who were associated with COPE and/or the SACP in both past and present election cycles,” they added.
Zuma’s lawyers said if the ANC does not comply before the fall of this month, they will explore legal actions.
“Failure to comply with the above on or before 31 January 2025, will result in our client taking all the legal steps necessary to vindicate, inter alia, his violated rights in respect of all the aforegoing issues, without any further notice to the ANC.
“Such steps may entail approaching the courts for appropriate relief including seeking an order for the immediate reinstatement of President Zuma’s membership of the ANC and punitive costs.
“We look forward to your urgent response before the deadline referred to above, failing which kindly furnish us with the name and address of your attorneys and consent to serve them with the relevant court papers,” the lawyers told the ANC.
In a statement, the Jacob Zuma Foundation asked the ANC to prioritise fairness, consistency, and adherence to its founding principles, ensuring that all members are protected from selective disciplinary actions or factional vendettas.
“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.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri was not immediately available for comment.
