ANC removes errant MPs; Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma expected to face disciplinary charges

The ANC has removed two of its MPs from Parliament — former Cosatu first deputy president Tyotyo James, and murder accused Sibusiso Kula. While Daily Maverick has seen a document which sets out that the party also intends on booting out Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies member Nomsa Kubheka.

Daily Maverick understands the MPs have not been present at Parliament since May. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula asked Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to inform them they are no longer members of the National Assembly.

Mapisa- Nqakula in last week Thursdays sitting announced that Kula and James were being removed in terms of Section 47 (3)(B) of the constitution which says a member should be removed if they are “absent from the Assembly without permission in circumstances for which the rules and orders of the Assembly prescribe loss of membership”.

Kula has been charged with murdering his wife, Jennifer Motlhomi, who was found dead at their home in Orkney, North West, in November 2022. The North West High Court granted him R50,000 bail in April.

The ANC also plans to take action against MPs who have failed to toe the party line in the National Assembly, including members who voted against ANC positions on various matters.

Read more in Daily Maverick: ANC NEC to decide on fate of members who voted against party line in Phala Phala debate – Lamola

Mbalula is expected to institute the necessary disciplinary processes.

At its most recent meeting, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) said, “​The NEC noted the report regarding the lack of action regarding violations of discipline in the National Assembly, including members voting against ANC positions on various matters.”

It decided “that the [secretary-general’s office] institute the necessary disciplinary processes”.

This comes after Minister in the Presidency Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma went against the party line last year in the vote on whether to adopt a parliamentary panel’s findings on the Phala Phala saga. She was joined by a few other ANC MPs, including Mervyn Dirks, Mosebenzi Zwane and Supra Mahumapelo.

Others who were not present during the vote included Zweli Mkhize, Lindiwe Sisulu, Bongani Bongo and Sfiso Buthelezi.

Read more in Daily Maverick: Repeat offender — Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma’s puzzling streak of defiance

ANC members had been told to vote against the adoption of the panel’s adverse findings against President Cyril Ramaphosa. With 214 votes against the adoption of the report, 148 votes for it and two MPs absent, Ramaphosa escaped possible impeachment, which paved the way for his re-election as party leader in December 2022.

Dlamini Zuma again defied the party when she was absent during the parliamentary vote in September on the removal from office of former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane.

This was despite Mbalula publicly warning ANC MPs the only reason they could not attend the crucial sitting was if they were dead. DM