WATCH | McKenzie warns of ‘Zuma Tsunami’ in 2026, calls for GNU to curb MK Party’s rise

Gayton McKenzie

Cape Town – Patriotic Alliance leader and Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has warned that only a government of national unity (GNU) can prevent a political surge led by former president Jacob Zuma.

Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has seen notable politicians, including Busisiwe Mkhwebane, former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu and ex-KZN premier Willies Mchunu, joining its ranks.

This movement also absorbed smaller parties like the South African Rainbow Alliance, Xiluva Party, and Black First Land First, attracting members disillusioned with the ANC.

McKenzie believes Zuma’s influence is underestimated, likening his impact to a “tsunami” expected in 2026.

“We are in serious trouble.

“I remember when I was om the Daily Maverick platform…with John Steenhuisen, Hlabisa, Mashaba, the question was asked by Stephen Grootes ‘ what to do you think of MK and Zuma’s chance’? All of them at that stage said he’s not a threat.

“I then said to Stephen Grootes, the tapes are there. I said they are all lying, they are not living in reality, Zuma is going to be a force to be reckoned with, Zuma is going to come in like a night tornado, well the rest his history,” McKenzie said during an interview on  Biz News.

He added: “If you think Zuma’s come through like a tornado, he’s going through in 2026 like a tsunami. Zuma is working day and night. People don’t want to hear this, but we must be realistic about it. Zuma is bringing in whether you call them state capture guys, criminals, he’s bringing in people with a following and that’s what politics is about.

“If they [ANC] are not careful, Zuma is going to become the biggest party and the GNU is the only thing that can stop Zuma, not the ANC.”

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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