Cape Town – Former president and leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), Jacob Zuma, says his party will not hold a national elective conference to elect new leaders, citing concerns over potential sabotage by spies linked to the ANC.
Speaking at a memorial service in Escort for six MKP members who died in a taxi crash, Zuma said that the current leadership is strong and that a conference could weaken the party.
He said that the decision not to hold a conference is a strategic choice to prevent destabilisation, IOL reported.
“There are things that we have deliberately done as uMkhonto (MKP), like the issue of holding an elective conference. Our enemies are very smart – we will call the conference, and they will raise funds to support their candidates and destabilize our organisation, so we will not have a conference.
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“I once asked other comrades why is the conference important? Scientifically speaking, what is the importance of having an elective conference? Why must we elect a new person after a few years even though the current person is still a good leader, I do not think having a conference is a good idea,” the report quoted Zuma as saying.
He also warned members that internal divisions could hinder the party’s progress and urged them to put aside their differences and unite.
During the service, tensions were evident as disgruntled members interrupted provincial leader Thobani Zuma, according to EWN.
Zuma began his speech by addressing the issue, the report said.
“We have a big task as the uMkhonto weSizwe Party of uniting black people. Therefore, we shouldn’t be the ones who are divided and creating conflict, or else we don’t know what we are doing,” the report quoted Zuma as saying.
MK Party President Jacob Zuma speaking at the memorial service of 6 party members who died in a car accident two weeks ago while heading to Nkandla for an event to honour Zuma’s first wife Sizakele Khumalo pic.twitter.com/dXtiZbiVjp
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) September 14, 2024
In his keynote speech, Zuma emphasised the importance of unity and suggested that those unwilling to adhere to the party’s values should leave.
The former president also paid tribute to the deceased members, highlighting their bravery, and shared personal reflections on his relationship with the late public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
