Cape Town – The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party denies allegations that co-founder Jabulani Khumalo was removed from the party to make way for Jacob Zuma’s candidacy in the upcoming elections.
Following the confirmation of Zuma’s candidacy, social media rumours circulated regarding Khumalo’s status in the party.
However, according to The Citizen, MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela dismissed these claims, saying that Khumalo remains in the party and, along with other leaders, will be deployed to campaign in various provinces.
“He is still in the party, we do not fire people,” the report quoted Ndhlela as saying.
Ndhlela said that Khumalo and other leaders like Bonginkosi Khanyile will be sent to different provinces to conduct the MK party’s campaign.
“They have to focus on campaigning for the party,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (IEC) said it is awaiting clarification on the Electoral Court’s decision to include Zuma on the ballot papers, despite initially upholding an objection to his candidature.
The IEC confirmed on Tuesday that the former president will be the face of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party in the upcoming elections.
“We can confirm that the face that will be on the ballot for the MK Party is Jacob Zuma, and is no longer Jabulani Khumalo as the party confirmed to the commission” – Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Sheburi#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/xFvMvjVv1S
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) April 16, 2024
“For the parties that we have asked about, we can confirm that the face of the party on the ballot paper in respect of MK party will be that of Mr Jacob Zuma because the party has given us a notice that it has changed its leadership structure. Mr [Jabulani] Khumalo is no longer the party leader, Mr Zuma is the party leader,” Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Masego Sheburi, said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
