Johannesburg – Two days after endorsing the dissolution of the Umkhonto We Sizwe Military Veterans Association, the ANC has moved to suspend with immediate effect the organization’s spokesperson, Carl Niehaus.
Niehaus, a vocal supporter of former President Jacob Zuma, was suspended in connection with the “inflammatory” statements outside of the erstwhile head of state’s homestead in Nkandla, north of KwaZulu Natal.
In one of his addresses, Niehaus had threatened that the MKMVA would block Zuma’s arrest and that the country would descend into a civil war should the former president be jailed.
In a letter to Niehaus, ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte said the statements that Niehaus made outside Zuma’s house had brought the ANC into disrepute.
“In terms of the powers vested in it (the ANC) in accordance with Rule 25,9 of the ANC constitution, the NEC has decided to institute disciplinary action against you within 30 days,” she said.
The party held a special meeting of its NEC on Monday.
Duarte said the party was suspending Niehaus with immediate effect because it had reasonable apprehension that Niehaus would continue with his acts of misconduct and cause further damage to the reputation of the organization.
“Consequently, in the current volatile political situation in the country, aided and abetted by your incendiary speeches, the NEC has come to the conclusion that exceptional circumstances exist which justify your temporary suspension come into operation with immediate effect (from the date of the receipt of this letter) in accordance with Rule 25,60 of the ANC constitution and that the seriousness of your transgressions and misconduct justifies not affording you 48 hours to respond to the allegations of misconduct…”.
Meanwhile, the ANC task team in the North West has informed the province’s former chairperson and premier, Supra Mahumapelo, that his disciplinary hearing would be re-heard on Sunday.
A provincial disciplinary committee had suspended Mahumapelo’s membership by five years.
However, the party’s national disciplinary committee – after hearing Mahumapelo’s appeal – resolved that his disciplinary proceedings by redone.
Both Mahumapelo and Niehaus staunch supporters of Zuma.
They are being hauled before the disciplinary process was part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s project of consolidating power in the party and asserting discipline.
Niehaus who once upon a time was also a spokesman for Nelson Mandela has already indicated through his official social media accounts that he will appeal the decision.
Also read: Zuma will be arrested if police don’t hear from ConCourt before midnight
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