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CRACKING THE WHIP

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

The ANC is removing members of Parliament who failed to attend sittings and disciplining those who have not toed the party line.
Queenin Masuabi
By Queenin Masuabi
23 Oct
Ferial-ndzopinion Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, (Photo: Gallo Images / Darren Stewart)

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.

From left: ANC MPs Tyotyo Hubert James, Nomsa Kubheka and Sibusiso Kula. (Photos: Gallo Images / Financial Mail / Robert Tshabalala | Supplied)
From left: ANC MPs Tyotyo Hubert James, Nomsa Kubheka and Sibusiso Kula. (Photos: Gallo Images / Financial Mail / Robert Tshabalala | Supplied)

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

Comments

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sfdhammon 24 October 2023 06:29 AM

Democracy... as taught by the ANC's tyrannical Soviet education.

l***2@g***.com 24 October 2023 06:30 AM

Way, way, too little too late. In any event, the most rotten apple - Ramaphosa - is still hanging from the tree. He needs to be cut down and removed.

greg 24 October 2023 07:39 AM

and replaced by whom?

gilligansclassics 24 October 2023 07:48 AM

By the DA

Lisbeth Scalabrini 24 October 2023 10:48 AM

This is real world not a place for fairy tale dreams.

Fuad XXX 24 October 2023 02:42 PM

Indeed, Mr Steenhuisen of the DA, somehow Steensofa does not cut it. - e.g. like Ramasofa.

datsun78 24 October 2023 08:35 AM

zaklee, whom. many blind DA supporters here

Ndabenhle Ngubane 24 October 2023 12:53 PM

He is a better devil. At least he is allowing private sector to partner with the likes of Transnet who are obviously failing.

bobbyomar7 24 October 2023 09:41 PM

I agree

Gerrie Pretorius 25 October 2023 07:56 AM

So, we pay tax and we (the private sector/tax payers) have to AGAIN pay to get the SOEs working and thereby keep the anc in power!?

Fanie Rajesh 24 October 2023 06:36 AM

Lose the losers. Vote DA.

kustomfiend 24 October 2023 06:45 AM

It is very clear what is happening here. Correct me of f I’m wrong…slowly, but surely the Zuma-era supporters and beneficiaries are being removed. Not necessarily a detrimental motion, however it will not solve the economic flux, rampant unemployment, deteriorating infrastructures, misguided racism and escalating crime. Fact remains: the Ayencee must go.

Jimbo Smith 24 October 2023 06:56 AM

Amazing stuff! These clowns in the NEC watch all this stuff, sit on their hands, do nothing and then....an epiphany. Let's get rid of poor performing MP's. No doubt a round of back slapping singing the mantra "we are cleansing the ANC". Is there ever any discussion on underperforming "Ministers"; most of whom should have been fired a long time ago. Nope! It's a tight little club with only its interests uppermost in mind.

will81 24 October 2023 06:59 AM

“Towed”

will81 24 October 2023 07:03 AM

Nope, looks like “toed” was right. Well, you learn something new everyday.

dorringtonw 24 October 2023 09:21 AM

Toad?

Confucious Says 24 October 2023 10:08 AM

More like it!

G M 24 October 2023 10:20 AM

"Toe the line" is an idiomatic expression meaning either to conform to a rule or standard, or to stand in formation along a line. This is one that people get wrong quite often. It makes more sense when you read the definition.

Paddy Ross 24 October 2023 02:37 PM

Its origin goes back at least to the time the Napoleonic wars with Britain when the Captain of royal Navy ships inspected the crew. The sailors were required to 'toe the line' i.e. line up with the front of their feet along one of the caulking lines on the deck of the ship.

Geoffrey 24 October 2023 07:07 AM

Interesting to see the ANC acting against members who don't toe the party line, whilst at the same time completely failing to act against corruption, incompetence, criminality and more amongst members who do toe the party line. As seen so often before, to the ANC the party is way, way more important than the nation, the economy, service delivery, education, health services, community safety, or anything else outside of the party.

Peter Slingsby 24 October 2023 08:04 AM

"Corruption, incompetence, criminality and more " ARE the party line. How can the ANC be expected to act against its own principles and ethos?

Middle aged Mike 24 October 2023 08:11 AM

This is what many, many useful idiots fail or more likely choose not to appreciate. Whatever the ANC may have been in reality or myth they are now a patronage machine that exists primarily to enrich its nomenklatura at the expense of the tax payer.

Gerrie Pretorius 25 October 2023 08:04 AM

Exactly!! So true a definition of the anc.

Jennifer D 24 October 2023 10:59 AM

This is the fundamental issue - the ANC do not understand morality, or have any ethical consideration, but they do understand obedience to the almighty party/leader. Being fundamentally criminal in nature and having all committed crimes in one way or another, disobedience is the weakest link which could lead to disclosure which they cannot allow. Being willing to allow criminals free reign but getting rid of dissenters, is frightening in its insanity.

Old Man 25 October 2023 06:49 AM

Yes Cyril's jovial excuses that financial audits of Ministers and implicated members has not really started is testimony to this. Cyril has not returned the Phala Phala money to the buffalo buyer yet and that would have been a sign that he personally is serious. I believe he will do it at the appropriate time for political mileage.

Ben Cousins 24 October 2023 07:27 AM

A journey of 1000 kms begins with a first step, however tentative.

Ian Gwilt 24 October 2023 07:37 AM

But she was brain dead

Ben Harper 24 October 2023 10:20 AM

Can't be brain dead if she didn't have one to start with

Charlie Victor 24 October 2023 07:40 AM

But all the Zondo commission implicated ones still remain (probably get a raise too)... As long as they cover the "new dawn"

m***6@g***.com 24 October 2023 07:52 AM

Structure without discipline it isn't well run

Derek 24 October 2023 07:53 AM

Facts about the ANC ministers. They are thieves. They are morally at fault when they failed to improve the education of disadvantaged children. Their police force is corrupt and they will not fix it. They cannot maintain law and order. They have mismanaged the country to the point where it cannot function. The medical treatments for the poorer sector is a nightmare. The list goes on and on. Just in case anyone is not sure about whether they should be voted out , the above are absolute facts, and in fact enough reason to put most of them in jail.

greg 24 October 2023 09:44 AM

there is a reason most of them were in jail

Dario 24 October 2023 07:59 AM

Why bother to have MP's in parliament at all if they have to follow party lines like sheep and are not allowed to use their own minds. Might as well have a block vote as per the numbers of ANC representatives. Not a democratic institution at all.

Lisbeth Scalabrini 24 October 2023 10:54 AM

Party first!

Graeme 24 October 2023 12:51 PM

They minds to use? I didn't realise that.

Johan Buys 24 October 2023 08:25 PM

Dario: to your point, I do not have the foggiest idea who my council rep is never mind who my parliament rep is. He/she/they/it were picked from a list of party faithful - no idea when. And I live in a DA area :/ My grandpa was active in council, think for 40y. We have his old election posters. NO mention of party. Just “Vote Boet” and a picture of him.

Stuart 24 October 2023 08:01 AM

A non event but you have to start somewhere. Be interesting to see what "Disciplinary Process" turns out to be ...... they should be kicked out because they are useless, not because they did not tow the line.

anonkwelo 24 October 2023 08:35 AM

I agree with you Peter!!

Ben Hawkins 24 October 2023 08:40 AM

She's long overdue

Stef Viljoen Viljoen 24 October 2023 08:55 AM

If I was more cynical I would have said there might be an election around the corner.

derickstevensza 24 October 2023 08:56 AM

April fools is on the 1st of April - your joke is either very late, or very early ...

SEE coutouvidis 24 October 2023 09:00 AM

I was impressed that NDZ had the guts to vote against the party line. Why bother with voting if there is only one answer demanded.

ctsindaz 24 October 2023 09:21 AM

So they are being punished for not letting Ramaphosa escape his Phalaphala crime. This can only happen in Jebs? So what is the party line??? State capture by Guptas? Doing Phalaphala?? This is upside down. In fact those that voted against impeachment must be punished for abetting theft and impropriety. KKK so much corruption!!

Hilary Morris 24 October 2023 09:47 AM

Well that should make for an interesting start to (ex president)Zuma's heading up the ANC campaign in KZN. Can't wait to see the outcome of that. It's tough when the party line is "toe the line or else". Not that it makes much difference, they're all corrupt to the core, totally incompetent and would be entertaining if it were not for the almost irreparable damage they do to our country. I do say "our" country with slight tongue in cheek. Some of "our" people ceased to be relevant some decades back.

Iam Fedup 24 October 2023 09:48 AM

Too little, too late.

M D 24 October 2023 10:02 AM

Let's see if they join the EFF immediately after being expelled. The ANC and EFF are the parties that call thieves "honourable members" - I see a coalition coming.

Alistair Eyres 24 October 2023 10:48 AM

I thought that Headline was a very late April Fool's joke! I can't believe my eyes!

Raman Newalani 24 October 2023 11:45 AM

I assume that they are being paid a nice salary. Our tax money, struggling economy, fuel increases,load shedding and the list goes on. Might be a good time to remember some of the statements made by the late great Nelson Mandela. Take heed elections are coming up. Is this another voting ploy. We need God's intervention in government. Everyone is being distracted from God. Every prayer seem nominal there is more glits and glamour and mud slinging. Trust God first.

Gerrie Pretorius 25 October 2023 08:13 AM

Amen!

Rod MacLeod 24 October 2023 11:47 AM

Nkosazana - oh dear! Why didn't you offer the comrades a bigger slice of that cigarette business? You seem to have kept too much of it for yourself, now you are facing possible disciplinary action. I wonder if they have anyone particular in mind to be an ace cigarette smuggler going forward?

bobbyomar7 24 October 2023 09:46 PM

???

Fuad XXX 24 October 2023 02:34 PM

No, Mr Mbalula I think it is much too little too late. I wonder if you are trying to appease possible voters.

jacki watts 24 October 2023 02:54 PM

Geoff Krieg makes a most valid point.. Why not get rid of the state captures?... Because they DO toe the line... Nauseating....

Fuad XXX 24 October 2023 03:01 PM

Mr Mbalula do tell what will her punishment be - I imagine a whole week's pay or heaven forbid 2 week's or a whole month but all other benefits intact. Cry our beloved country.

virginia crawford 25 October 2023 06:26 AM

Dhlamini Zuma should have fired in the 90s after her mishandling of HIV/AIDS. Loyalty is clearly more important than competence or ethics.

somzanam 25 October 2023 01:30 PM

Nkosazama Dlamini Zuma behaves like an untouchable in the ANC. I wonder why gogo NDZ does not resign because she no longer adds any value both to the ANC and the government.

Fuad XXX 25 October 2023 09:26 PM

Could it possibly be, she never did add value. I remember her during lockdown, still trying to understand what she was on about.

Grumpy Old Man 25 October 2023 06:42 PM

Who the ANC chooses to discipline has nothing to do with anyone who is not an ANC member. Having said that, as an outsider, my perception is that members themselves don't take the Committee itself particularly seriously. If the ANC wants rid of - I dunno - Carl Niehaus, then the findings of the Committee are used to justify that decision. However, if your name is Jacob Zuma the Committee's findings can seemingly be ignored. Using the Niehaus / Zuma examples how does the one suffer excommunication & the other get (quite literaly) a 'get out of gaol free' card? I mean, JZ literally laid 'make believe charges' against the President of the ANC & it's not an issue or concern for the ANC or its Integrity Commission! Why not?