The African National Congress (ANC) has been taken aback by the unexpected surge of support for former president Jacob Zuma’s newly formed MK Party in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN). Early election results indicate strong backing for the MK party, which has raised eyebrows within the ANC.
ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe, in a candid statement, attributed this phenomenon to what he termed “Zulu tribalism.”
According to Mantashe, the ANC had conducted thorough studies in both Gauteng and KZN, putting their best efforts into campaigning. However, the unexpected outcome in KZN suggests a different political landscape—one that revolves around tribal affiliations.
[ MK Party Is Leading KwaZulu-Natal As First Batch Of Votes Comes In ]
Mantashe expressed concern about the impact of tribalism on the political landscape. “If the results in KZN reflect something different,” he said, “it reflects Zulu tribalism. We should not confine ourselves to such backward forms of politics; they have their time frame and eventually fade away.”
The MK party’s support in KZN appears to hinge on Zuma’s recognition within the Zulu community. Mantashe dismissed the idea of a coalition with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the MK party, emphasizing the ANC’s pursuit of an outright majority.
Mantashe also addressed the issue of former leaders extending their terms beyond what was planned. He described Zuma as someone who wanted to cling to power, despite having served two terms as South Africa’s president.
Zuma’s multiple roles within the ANC have fueled his desire to continue ruling, a behaviour Mantashe attributes to human nature.
In a surprising twist, the EFF has already declared a working relationship with the MK party, aiming for a two-thirds majority. As the election results unfold, the political landscape remains dynamic, with tribal loyalties and power struggles shaping the future of South African politics.
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