This after the National Executive Committee (NEC) reaffirmed the association’s disbandment at its meeting on Monday.

The party’s deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte briefed the media on Tuesday following a special NEC meeting.

Spokesperson Carl Niehaus believes the ANC is punishing the MKMVA for its support of former president Jacob Zuma.  

"We are left with a distinct impression that the NEC of the ANC is pursuing and insisting on uMkhonto We Sizwe Military Veterans Association being disbanded because of the emotional response to our support to former president Jacob Zuma. 

"If you read the statement by the NEC of the ANC, it flows from the issues regarding what happened at Nkandla over the weekend and the opposition that has been expressed to the imposition of the 15-month sentence, then comes the announcement of the MKMVA being disbanded." 

Niehaus denied the association planned the mass gathering in Nkandla.

"There are allegations made against MKMVA and which are entirely incorrect.

"MKMVA was not the organiser of the event at Nkandla which was a far more spontaneous event than being organised by a particular person or particular structure." 

The MKMVA’s NEC is expected to meet on Wednesday. 

Jacaranda News