Former president Jacob Zuma made an unexpected appearance at the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party event in Verulam, north of Durban, on Tuesday. Despite the heavy rain on Boxing Day, hundreds of supporters gathered at Mzo Lifestyle for the MK Party meeting.
Zuma took the opportunity to address his supporters, reiterating his decision not to vote for the governing party under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership in the upcoming 2024 national and provincial elections. Instead, he pledged his vote to the new MK Party.
During his speech, Zuma emphasized a zero-tolerance policy on corruption within the MK Party. He assured his followers that all members would remain disciplined in the face of corruption.
[ Carl Niehaus Reaffirms His ‘Well Thought’ Decision To Join The EFF ]
Zuma also issued a warning to politicians who were insulting the MK Party, urging them to “zip it” before he revealed uncomfortable truths about them. This endorsement of the MK Party came as a shock to the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Zuma publicly declared his support for the MK Party earlier this month, stating that his conscience would not allow him to vote for the ANC or Ramaphosa.
In his media briefing in Soweto, Johannesburg, Zuma expressed his dissatisfaction with the current ANC leadership, claiming that it did not align with the values of past ANC leaders such as Albert Luthuli, Oliver Tambo, and Nelson Mandela.
It is important to note that Zuma clarified his position, stating that he was not leaving the ANC but would rather cast his vote for the MK Party. He referred to his predecessor as “an agent of white capital who has declared war on black progressives and professionals.”
The MK Party is one of several political parties registered between June 29 and September 18 to participate in the 2024 national elections. While the party has been registered with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), its leadership remains unclear at this time.
Zuma’s surprise appearance at the MK Party event in Durban has generated significant interest and speculation about the future of South African politics.
His endorsement of the party and his criticism of the ANC leadership have sparked discussions about potential shifts in voter support and political dynamics leading up to the 2024 elections.
As the campaign season approaches, it will be interesting to see how Zuma’s support for the MK Party impacts the political landscape.
Will his endorsement sway voters who are disillusioned with the ANC? Can the MK Party establish itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party? These questions will undoubtedly shape the political discourse in the coming months.
Catch up with the latest news from The Times Post on WhatsApp by following our channel. Click here to join.
