A heated debate around the review application by the ANC Youth League and its expelled president, Julius Malema, exposed sharp divisions in the ANC’s top leadership.
Human Settlements Minister and ANC NEC member Tokyo Sexwale also took a swipe at Zuma for suppressing views within the ANC and not giving the Youth League a hearing.
Arguing against the review and in defence of Zuma were Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane.
Gigaba is understood to have said that the ANC could not allow the “disrespectful” youth league leaders back into its ranks, in a reference to Malema, suspended youth league secretary general Sindiso Magaqa and spokesperson Floyd Shivambu.
Nzimande reportedly slammed Nyanda for his virulent attack on Zuma, saying they had been in the ANC long enough to comprehend its complex organisational processes.
This prompted an angry retort from ANC NEC member Tony Yengeni, who said that Nzimande was a newcomer to the ANC as he had spent his formative years in the struggle as a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party.
According to sources, Mokonyane said youth league members were lobbying NEC members at night for their support for a review of the sanctions against Malema and his colleagues. Justice Minister Jeff Radebe called for ANC treasurer general, Mathews Phosa, a youth league backer, to be censured because of his public comments on the case, but Radebe’s call was not taken further.
Zuma is said to have stood firm on his position that there was no need to entertain the review application.
Nyanda, Sexwale and Yengeni are pushing for Zuma to be replaced as ANC president by Kgalema Motlanthe during the party’s elective conference in December. Others pushing for Zuma’s removal within the ANC NEC include Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile, ANC deputy secretary general Thandi Modise, Phosa and Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale.
This week President Jacob Zuma sought to impose his authority. He fired former police commissioner Bheki Cele. He shut the door on former ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema. He shook up his Cabinet.
Darul Ihsan Media Desk