Top ANC leaders were brave enough to confront President Jacob Zuma at the weekend, saying he should step down as the president of the republic.
The charge was led by Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom who was supported by other national executive committee (NEC) members that the issue should be discussed since Zuma has attracted negative publicity.
Sowetan understands that Hanekom raised the matter when the meeting, held from Friday to yesterday, discussed the State of Capture report released by former public protector Thuli Madonsela, which found that Zuma may have breached the Executive Ethics Code of Conduct.
Sources who attended the meeting claimed those who spoke against Zuma in his presence said the ANC would not win the 2019 general elections given the negative publicity around him.
It is understood that NEC members raised issues ranging from the Nkandla report to the State of the Capture report that indicated Zuma was not fit to lead as the country's president.
Those in support of Zuma claimed to have told Hanekom that what he was raising was supposed to be part of the agenda and asked why he failed to raise it before the meeting.
Those against Zuma said this was not about a victory of removing the country's president, rather it was to tell him that he was not fit to be the president of the country and to also tell him he was not serving the interests of the ANC.
The NEC, which is the highest decision-making body in the ANC between conferences, does not have powers to remove a sitting party president, but he or she can be recalled from government like former president Thabo Mbeki in 2008. Zuma was deputy president at the time.
Those wanting Zuma to step down as the president of the country suggested a consultative conference - mooted by party elders - be held to look into the question of how the party can remove an ANC president before a conference.
NEC members took turns to argue against and in favour of Zuma's removal.
Meanwhile, the Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veteran's Association held a "cadres' assembly" yesterday, where they discussed "defending" the legacy of MK and the ANC, creating a support system for veterans.
They are unhappy with the leadership of Kebby Maphatsoe, who is loyal to Zuma, and defended Zuma in the NEC meeting.
Sowetan understands the meeting could not reach a conclusion and will continue today
'Zuma will sink us in 2019'
Top ANC leaders were brave enough to confront President Jacob Zuma at the weekend, saying he should step down as the president of the republic.
The charge was led by Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom who was supported by other national executive committee (NEC) members that the issue should be discussed since Zuma has attracted negative publicity.
Sowetan understands that Hanekom raised the matter when the meeting, held from Friday to yesterday, discussed the State of Capture report released by former public protector Thuli Madonsela, which found that Zuma may have breached the Executive Ethics Code of Conduct.
Sources who attended the meeting claimed those who spoke against Zuma in his presence said the ANC would not win the 2019 general elections given the negative publicity around him.
It is understood that NEC members raised issues ranging from the Nkandla report to the State of the Capture report that indicated Zuma was not fit to lead as the country's president.
Those in support of Zuma claimed to have told Hanekom that what he was raising was supposed to be part of the agenda and asked why he failed to raise it before the meeting.
Those against Zuma said this was not about a victory of removing the country's president, rather it was to tell him that he was not fit to be the president of the country and to also tell him he was not serving the interests of the ANC.
The NEC, which is the highest decision-making body in the ANC between conferences, does not have powers to remove a sitting party president, but he or she can be recalled from government like former president Thabo Mbeki in 2008. Zuma was deputy president at the time.
Those wanting Zuma to step down as the president of the country suggested a consultative conference - mooted by party elders - be held to look into the question of how the party can remove an ANC president before a conference.
NEC members took turns to argue against and in favour of Zuma's removal.
Meanwhile, the Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veteran's Association held a "cadres' assembly" yesterday, where they discussed "defending" the legacy of MK and the ANC, creating a support system for veterans.
They are unhappy with the leadership of Kebby Maphatsoe, who is loyal to Zuma, and defended Zuma in the NEC meeting.
Sowetan understands the meeting could not reach a conclusion and will continue today
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos