ANC WELCOMES NDC RULING

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the ruling last night (11 May 2010) by its National Disciplinary Committee (NDC), which concluded the hearing into the conduct of ANC Youth League President Julius Malema (see here).

We have noted that, not only has comrade Malema pleaded guilty to contravening Rule 25.5.(i) of the Constitution of the ANC by behaving in such a way as to provoke serious divisions or a break-down of unity in the organization,  but that he has showed remorse.  He has submitted an apology to the ANC President and the Republic to the NDC which has now been made public.

The ANC is particularly pleased with the corrective nature of the ruling which includes remedial action like attending the ANC Political School for at least twenty days within the next year, from the date of this ruling; and attending programmes on effective leadership communication and anger management or other appropriate programmes at local institutions to be determined by the NDC.

The ruling further demonstrates the ANC's zero tolerance on conduct not in line with its leadership values. It is not a light ruling, considering that should comrade Malema be found guilty of contravening rule 25.5 (i) of the ANC Constitution within the next two years, his membership of the ANC shall be summarily suspended, for a period to be determined by the NDC.

We thank the NDC panel, which consisted of comrades Derek Hanekom (chairperson), Ayanda Dlodlo and Fébé Potgieter-Gqubule for displaying a high measure of independence and integrity in adjudicating over the matter.

Statement issued by Brian Sokutu, African National Congress spokesman, May 12 2010

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