The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has hailed the African National Congress (ANC) decision to suspend its former president Jacob Zuma.
The ANC announced its decision to suspend Zuma on Monday following its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
This after Zuma publicly announced that while he would remain a member of the ruling party, he would not campaign for the ANC in the run-up to this year’s elections. Zuma added that he would also vote for the newly formed Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party.
Cosatu’s Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks says, “We do welcome it. When the ANC does right, and it removes disreputable elements from within its ranks – or it shows a clear commitment to a path of renewal in cleansing itself of those who led us to state capture and corruption – we should commend them and cheer them on. This is exactly what we’ve been calling for. We do appreciate that the ANC needed to take a little bit of time, but it’s obvious to all sane persons that Zuma had actually in effect not been suspended, but he’s actually expelled himself because no political party worth its salt can tolerate a member or leader within its ranks cheering on some other make believe party. So, I think for us it’s a thumbs up to the ANC and we actually hope it will continue to shed those who are offended by its efforts to cleanse itself and society of corruption.”
Ramaphosa unfazed
Meanwhile, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa says Zuma’s suspension is not likely to have an impact on the party. In an exclusive interview with the SABC, Ramaphosa says the ANC’s constitution does not allow dual membership.
More details in the report below:
