Thuthukile Zuma Resigns from ANC Greater Joburg REC Amid Disciplinary Proceedings

Disciplinary Proceedings Precede Immediate Resignation

Thuthukile Zuma, a member of the African National Congress (ANC) Greater Johannesburg Regional Executive Committee (REC), has resigned effective immediately amidst disciplinary action initiated by the regional leadership. The ANC confirmed that the disciplinary process, launched prior to receiving Zuma’s resignation letter, was in response to allegations surrounding her duties and conduct within the REC.

Concerns Cited: Absenteeism and Social Media Activity

The regional ANC stated that Zuma was formally approached in mid-October to explain her alleged failure to fulfil responsibilities as an elected REC member. These allegations included frequent absence from regional meetings, non-participation in subcommittee work, and lapses in election campaign activities. Additionally, Zuma faced criticism for public comments made on her X (formerly Twitter) account concerning party secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, which the regional leadership said contravened the ANC’s social media protocols.

According to the region, Zuma was initially given seven days to provide a response, and eventual extensions would have allowed submissions until November 20. However, her resignation was received on November 10.

Region Affirms Importance of Accountability and Collective Work

The ANC Greater Johannesburg leadership emphasised the obligation of elected members to participate and be accountable within the organisation, stressing that discipline and respect for collective leadership are fundamental to the party’s ethos. The region also encouraged members to address concerns through established internal channels rather than external platforms.

Zuma’s Response: Rejecting Allegations and Asserting Dissent

In her resignation letter, Zuma rejected all claims of misconduct. She argued that the region did not identify any specific constitutional provision violated by her actions. Zuma defended her criticism of the secretary-general as a legitimate response to what she described as procedural failings during the ANC’s candidate list submissions ahead of the local government elections. She insisted that, under the circumstances, her public statements did not fall outside the scope of acceptable party conduct.

“In my view, no constitutional provision has been identified that correctly establishes how my conduct or performance as a member of the REC constitutes misconduct.”

Zuma contended that the focus should not be on her comments, but rather on the circumstances within the party that prompted them. She further maintained that her resignation should not be seen as an admission of wrongdoing or as diminishing her commitment to the ANC’s mission.

Claims of Dysfunction and Suppression within ANC Structures

Beyond the immediate disciplinary action, Zuma’s letter alleged ongoing dysfunctionality within the current REC. She described missed meetings, denied opportunities for debate, and a prevailing atmosphere of censorship and intolerance of dissent. Zuma reported instances of members being muted in online meetings and removed from the group’s organisational WhatsApp platform for expressing divergent views.

“The muting of members in Zoom meetings as well as the manipulation of the WhatsApp platform… have been used as an instrument of censorship and control.”

She claimed these concerns had been raised previously but went unaddressed, representing, in her view, a shift from democratic engagement toward more authoritarian practices in ANC leadership, both regionally and nationally.

Dispute Over ANC’s Coalition with the DA

Zuma also pointed to the ANC’s recent coalition arrangements following the party’s performance in the 2024 elections as a source of discontent. She said there was not enough internal reflection on joining a Government of National Unity that included the Democratic Alliance (DA), and indicated her participation in a protest outside a National Executive Committee meeting as an expression of her dissent. According to Zuma, such dissent was again met with threats of disciplinary action, rather than meaningful debate within the REC.

Allegations of Victimisation and Family Targeting

A further element in Zuma’s resignation involved claims of being targeted because of her family ties. She linked the disciplinary proceedings to a pattern of victimisation dating back to the current REC’s term, alleging that her association with former president Jacob Zuma and former minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma had led to taunts and accusations of her being their agent. She expressed a wish to be assessed on her individual contributions, not family connections.

Final Words and Reflection on ANC’s Direction

The culmination of these disputes, according to Zuma, had made continued service in the REC impossible. In her parting remarks, she highlighted her dissatisfaction with the present leadership at both regional and national levels and argued that the party’s current orientation was at odds with its historic commitments to democracy and self-correction.

Her resignation, she said, should be seen as a principled step reflecting a loss of faith in the ANC’s ability to address internal challenges, rather than an exit from its founding mission.