KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) African National Congress (ANC) provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo on Wednesday announced the expulsion of former Umzumbe local municipality speaker Sbonelo Maphumulo for what he calls "de-campaigning".

He was addressing media when he warned that all members who did not toe the party line would be subjected to ANC disciplinary processes.  

Maphumulo was suspended on August 22, 2023 after the ANC provincial executive committee had received a report on his alleged conduct which was interpreted as in defiance of ANC decisions, particularly in ANC council meetings.

“Once you are de-campaigning the ANC you are not supporting the party as a liberation movement and as a party in government,” he said.

Maphumulo was charged for acting in breach of the membership oath for failing, refusing or neglecting to execute or comply with any ANC policy, standing order and undermining the respect for or impeding the functioning of any structure or committee of the ANC, amongst other things.

“Based on the overwhelming evidence presented by witnesses during the disciplinary hearing, Cde Sbonelo Maphumulo was found guilty on all the charges. We must hasten to point out that this verdict was reached in line with the principle of fairness and equality. Cde Sbonelo Maphumulo was given the opportunity to defend himself and state his side of the story,” explained Mtolo.

He added that the ANC in KZN was satisfied with the work of the chairperson of the Provincial Disciplinary Committee and also Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Super Zuma in relation to Maphumulo's disciplinary hearing.

Mtolo said “it should be recalled that ANC structures marched to the provincial office in protest against his conduct. After the PEC’s decision to suspend his membership, Maphumulo was subjected to fair disciplinary processes,” stressed Mtolo.

He said the party was giving all ANC members the right to approach party leadership if they felt that some actions taken against members were not fair.

Mtolo said his party would not divulge all the internal discussions but would make sure that it dealt with members who were “doing as they please in the name of the party”.

Recently ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula warned against 'de-campaigning' the ruling party following the resignation of party veteran Mavuso Msimang.

Mbalula said 'de-campaigning' the ANC had implications for the party’s standing in public while he stressed the open-door policy which allowed party members to express their views.

Mtolo said the ANC had done a lot for South Africans, mentioning the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in KZN as the best hospital in the southern hemisphere, and giving mention to the King Shaka International Airport and the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

He said even some rural areas had been improved.

“South Africans are not fools. They can see what the ANC has done. We can’t allow members who de-campaign us to remain in the party,” said Mtolo.