MK Party Led by Zuma Vows to End Loadshedding
In a significant political development, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, has vowed to eliminate load shedding and lower fuel costs upon assuming government leadership after the upcoming elections. This announcement surfaced following an extensive meeting between Zuma and Vivian Reddy, held at Zuma’s residence in Nkandla.
Load Shedding: A Priority for MK Party
During the meeting, Zuma expressed the MK party’s commitment to prioritize ending load shedding, assuring that it would not occur under their governance. He attributed the power cuts to deliberate actions by certain individuals who aimed to conduct business on their terms. Zuma contended that load shedding, which he claimed to have halted during his presidency, resurfaced after key figures were replaced.
Zuma, known for appointing Brian Molefe as chief executive during his tenure, credited Molefe with successfully ending load shedding between 2015 and 2017. Despite these assertions, the recent claim of sabotage at Eskom, the state-owned power utility, by Zuma and former president Thabo Mbeki has stirred debate.
Regarding high fuel costs, Reddy disclosed that Zuma proposed the nationalization of Sasol to ensure reduced fuel prices benefit the public. Additionally, Zuma supported the African Democratic Change’s (ADeC) proposal to impose taxes on monopoly industries, alleviating the burden of fuel taxes on the impoverished.
Reddy expressed satisfaction with the meeting, emphasizing Zuma’s awareness of their campaign and his support for taxing monopoly industries. Furthermore, Reddy welcomed Zuma’s acknowledgement that Sasol should be returned to public ownership to distribute the benefits of reduced fuel prices more broadly.
Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe endorsed Zuma’s commitment to ending load shedding, citing his past success. He also supported the idea of nationalizing state-owned companies, including Sasol.
The African Democratic Change announced its intention to form a coalition with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party after the upcoming general elections. While specific details of the discussions were not disclosed, Reddy confirmed the coalition plans and emphasized the need for like-minded parties to unite for a more substantial impact on national politics.
Reddy, a seasoned politician and vocal councillor in eThekwini, highlighted the importance of collaborating with parties sharing common goals rather than operating independently on the opposition benches. As the political landscape evolves, the coalition between the African Democratic Change and the MK party under Zuma’s leadership signals a significant development in South African politics. The upcoming elections are anticipated to shape the country’s political landscape trajectory.
