The Cape Times reported that the Dullah Omar region had welcomed the apologies of Sibusiso Nkomiyahlaba, Menzi Manyonga and Loyiso Nkohla at its media conference on Wednesday.

The region’s youth league said it was important to publicly apologise and “to commit themselves to rebuilding a united and disciplined ANC”.

The three, together with Zuko Ngejane, appeared before an ANC disciplinary committee in May, when their memberships were suspended.

Their sentences were suspended on condition they make a written apology and submit themselves to compulsory political school and community service.

Zuma was delivering a memorial lecture at the Good Hope Centre in February when a violent disruption broke out.

Supporters of expelled ANCYL president Julius Malema jeered him and injured an SABC cameraman.