CRACKS are beginning to show within the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party.
This follows recent move that it’s founder Jabulani Khumalo has requested the Electoral Commission (IEC) to urgently remove Jacob Zuma as the face of the party.
The letter dated 05 May 2024 and addressed to Zuma, Khumalo has also placed Zuma on precautionary suspension, citing bringing the party into disrepute.
Khumalo’s letter comes after his expulsion from the MK Party last week alongside four party members, including Zuma’s loyalist and youth leader Bonginkosi Khayile.
The party says those who have been suspended from it are rogue elements, includes Khumalo (himself), Bheki Manzini, Lebo Moepeng, and Rochelle Davidson.
With elections only weeks away, Khumalo’s request is somewhat bizzare.
In a letter dated 5 May, Khumalo said he formed the party in 2023 and registered it in September the same year. Prior to the registration he consulted with former president Jacob Zuma.
Khumalo said it was Zuma who suggested that the party should be aligned to the ruling party (ANC) because the brand is entrenched within the public and population.
“In fact, the name uMkhonto weSizwe was proposed by Zuma. I was responsible for the registration of MKP with the Electoral Commission and Zuma also assisted with raising funds for the registration which was around R705 00,” he said.
Furthermore, Khumalo said Zuma also proposed that MK Party be launched on 16 December as this coincides with the launch of the ANC-aligned uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association.
“It was always understood that Zuma is not a member of MKP but would assist it in campaigning. In fact, when he announced his decision to vote and campaign for MKP on 16 December 2023 he made it clear he would remain a member of the ANC,” Khumalo explained.
Confusion and uncertainty engulfs MK party.
At the time of publishing, it was unclear if IEC would entertain such a request.
Meanwhile, the Disciplinary Meeting that was scheduled today between ubaba Zuma and the ANC has been postponed for security reasons.
This was confirmed by the ruling party’s SG Fikile Mbalula, after consultation with security clusters.
Image (Trouble in paradise already. Both JG Zuma and party MK party founder Jabulani Khumalo are at each others throats).
