Khoza charged with bringing party into disrepute

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) — An outspoken African National Congress (ANC) backbencher, who is calling for president Jacob Zuma’s resignation, was charged by a branch of the party on Wednesday with bringing it into disrepute.

Makhosi Khoza has made it clear she will break ranks with the ruling party by voting for a no-confidence motion in Zuma on 8 August, and has become a prominent figure for denouncing the president while being a sitting member of parliament.

The ANC KwaZulu-Natal branch is pushing to fast-track her case within 14 days, which could bring it before the no-confidence vote, as a demonstration of party discipline.

It was not immediately clear if any censure could bar her from taking part, but her case could stir further anger against Zuma, who has survived eight previous no-confidence votes.

She made her criticism of Zuma to a conference of civil society groups, unions and business leaders pushing for his removal after eight years in office.

The 75-year-old’s time in power has been marked by economic stagnation and scandal, including allegations of graft involving his friends, the Guptas, a family of Indian-born businessmen. Both Zuma and the Guptas have denied any wrongdoing.

South Africa slipped into a recession in March, and unemployment stands at its highest in 14 years.

KwaZulu-Natal ANC spokesman Mdumiseni Ntuli said Khoza would appear before a panel of ANC officials within 14 days. He did not give details of what disciplinary measures could be taken against her.

Khoza, a 47-year-old Zulu academic, was unavailable to comment. Police are investigating a death threat she received for her stance on Zuma.

The speaker of parliament is expected to decide whether the motion against Zuma will be held by secret ballot.

Opposition parties say the motion would be more likely to succeed if held in secret, allowing for anonymous dissent.

Opponents led by the main opposition party Democratic Alliance (DA), which is behind the motion, believe a cabinet reshuffle which led to the dismissal of finance minister Pravin Gordhan may have angered enough ANC members to desert Zuma.

– Nampa-Reuters