ANC Urges Zuma’s Daughter To Stay After Resign

The resignation of Thuthukile Zuma from the Johannesburg regional executive committee of the African National Congress (ANC) has ignited a significant debate within the party, particularly given her family’s long-standing and increasingly strained relationship with the organization.

As of November 10, 2026, the ANC Youth League, under the leadership of Collen Malatji, has issued a firm, yet cautious, plea for her to remain within the ANC’s ranks, emphasizing the value she represents to the party.

The circumstances surrounding her departure are complex, stemming from accusations of stifled dissent and a perceived lack of support from the Johannesburg regional leadership.

According to documents obtained by several news outlets, including TimesLIVE and IOL, Zuma cited concerns about the exclusion of opposing viewpoints during online meetings and the removal from a WhatsApp group for expressing differing opinions regarding the ANC’s handling of local government elections candidate lists.

These actions, coupled with a formal organizational process initiated by the region on October 15th, led to a deadline for her representations on November 20th, ultimately culminating in her resignation.

It is clear that Thuthukile Zuma’s decision was not solely based on these immediate grievances.

She also questioned whether her treatment was influenced by her family’s political history, specifically her father, Jacob Zuma’s, leadership of the MK Party, a significant political rival to the ANC.

This context adds another layer to the situation, highlighting the deep divisions within the ANC and the ongoing tensions surrounding the Zuma family’s legacy.

Malatji’s response, while acknowledging the validity of her concerns, underscores the ANC’s desire to retain Zuma’s daughter within its structure.

He argued that her departure would represent a significant loss, particularly given her “brave and open” approach to expressing her views.

He firmly urged her to address her issues internally, rather than seeking refuge in another political party.

This suggests a recognition of her potential value and a desire to resolve the situation through established ANC channels.

However, the underlying issues – the perception of a lack of freedom of expression within the Johannesburg region and the broader concerns about the ANC’s internal dynamics – remain unresolved.

The fact that Thuthukile Zuma has not publicly announced intentions to join her father’s party suggests a desire to address these concerns within the ANC itself, a path that, given the current climate, appears increasingly challenging.

The situation highlights a critical juncture for the ANC, one where it must grapple with issues of internal democracy, factionalism, and the impact of prominent family members’ political choices on the party’s future.

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