Cape Town – Former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party is facing significant challenges that may lead to its dissolution, experts have reportedly suggested.
The party is increasingly perceived as a family project controlled by Zuma’s relatives, particularly his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, which is eroding its support base, The Citizen quoted the experts as saying.
Recently, MK removed 18 members from its National Assembly list, with 12 being replaced on the day of their swearing-in.
In a statement, the party addressed the rumours of member expulsions, clarifying that instead, the individuals were informed they would be replaced as MPs. They were advised not to attend the swearing-in ceremony, with the understanding that if they did, they would be substituted later.
“It’s also important to note that leading up to the elections, the MK Party IEC list was comprised by saboteurs who went on to populate the IEC system with a list of their friends, family members and neighbours,” MK spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, said.
This move to remove the 18 MPs, alongside the removal of Arthur Zwane as secretary-general and earlier expulsion of the party’s founder, Jabulani Khumalo, further weakened the organisation, the experts said.
Nhlanhla Nene, a senior MK member who resigned from the party, criticised its management and departure from its goals of economic emancipation.
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“Today the MK is not wanted even by the EFF because it’s regarded as a Zuma family and siblings project.
“Over the course of seven months, MK has not managed to translate its overwhelming political power in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal into the attainment of economic freedom for our people,” the reort quoted Nene as saying.
He added: “MK has proven to South Africa that it would rather be controlled by the president’s daughter than be professionally run by intellectuals and thinkers who can save the organisation,” Nene said.
Other analysts argue that MK’s lack of democratic processes and clear objectives, combined with nepotism, has hindered its growth and effectiveness.
The party is viewed as a vehicle for Zuma’s family and associates rather than a serious political entity.
Political analysts predict that MK will continue to shrink in influence and legitimacy.
The party’s failure to establish a solid leadership structure and its ongoing internal conflicts are seen as major obstacles to its survival and future success, they said.
Last week political analyst Levy Ndou warned during an interview with SABC that the developments in the MK party could alienate voters and deter new members due to perceived instability and poor treatment of individuals.
“They are a party that is still building up, they are a party that does not have established constitutional structures, and that is why decisions that are taken will surprise many people,” Ndou said.
He added: “The actions that are being taken by the leadership of the MK party have the potential to discourage a voter to vote for this party.”
Ndou said that the focus of the MK Party has been on participating in elections, with limited leadership beyond Zuma and a few interim members.
“They have not gone to conferences to elect leadership, so when it comes to decision-making, former president Jacob Zuma appears to be the one who is in charge of decision-making. It appears as if there is little or no consultation that is done because there is no elected leadership. In the main, former president Jacob Zuma is responsible for decision making,” he said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
