Umkhonto weSizwe warned of potential corruption infiltrating the newfound party by Former President Zuma
The Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, a burgeoning political force, continues to defy expectations and challenge South Africa’s political landscape. Despite facing criticism from rival parties who dismiss it as a regional player, the MK Party’s recent activities indicate a growing and formidable presence. This surge in popularity has triggered concerns within the African National Congress (ANC), as it risks diluting the party’s majority ahead of the upcoming general elections.
During a recent address at the Alexandra Stadium in Johannesburg, former President Jacob Zuma urged MK Party members to remain vigilant, cautioning them against potential opportunistic individuals from the ANC seeking to exploit their newfound influence. “We should choose carefully as there are those who would join uMkhonto weSizwe with the aim of corruption and personal gain,” Zuma declared to resounding applause. While acknowledging that some ANC defectors might have ulterior motives, Zuma remained confident in the party’s leadership to identify and address such behaviour.
Echoing the sentiments of many MK Party supporters, Thabiso Mokoena from Alexandra dismissed previous claims that the party was merely a gathering of bitter and disgruntled individuals. Now witnessing the party gaining momentum, Mokoena notes that some ANC members are resorting to legal action instead of engaging in substantive political debate. “When MK Party was considered non-existent, they would swear at President Zuma. But now that things are going in our favour and not so smoothly for them, they take us to court,” Mokoena remarked.
However, the MK Party’s rise has not been without challenges. The ANC has accused the party of infringing on its trademark, alleging that the name ‘uMkhonto weSizwe’ is solely associated with the ANC. Both parties are set to present their arguments at the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein on March 19, in an attempt to resolve the dispute. The Electoral Court issued a notice regarding this matter on February 7, highlighting the significance of determining rightful ownership of the name.
Founded in September of last year by Jabulani Khumalo, the MK Party is gearing up to compete in the 2024 general elections. Since its inception, however, the ANC has expressed its discontent, issuing legal warnings to Khumalo regarding the use of the uMkhonto Wesizwe logo and trademark. This clash highlights the tension between the MK Party’s aspirations and the ANC’s claim to the historical legacy associated with the name.
Further heightening the political intrigue, former President Jacob Zuma shocked the nation by publicly announcing that he would not vote for the ANC in the upcoming elections, and likewise, would not campaign for the party. This revelation followed Zuma’s 64-year membership in the ANC, signalling a shift in his allegiance and a significant blow to the ruling party’s credibility.
As the MK Party continues to gather support and assert itself as a potent political entity, it remains to be seen how its mandate will resonate with the electorate. Whether it can effectively challenge the ANC’s dominance or merely serve as a regional movement is a question that the upcoming general elections will answer. Nonetheless, the MK Party’s progress demonstrates the undying nature of South Africa’s dynamic and ever-evolving political landscape.
