Cape Town – Former president Jacob Zuma will not attend the swearing-in of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party members in Cape Town.
Despite being the party’s leader, this event marks the MK party’s entry into South African politics with 58 members set to be sworn in at parliament’s Goodhope Chamber on Tuesday.
The MK Party is pleased to announce that its 58 Members of Parliament will participate in the swearing-in ceremony in Parliament on 25 June 2024.
This follows a period of critical reflection and strategic consultation within the party leadership, subsequent to our initial… pic.twitter.com/2X4U4l9RJ9
— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (@MkhontoweSizwex) June 24, 2024
According to The Citizen, Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela confirmed Zuma’s absence, saying that his criminal record hindered his inclusion in the parliamentary list.
“They never wanted him there. Why should he attend?,” the report quoted Ndhlela as saying.
The party’s new leader, John Hlophe, will attend, amidst controversy following his impeachment as Western Cape judge president.
“The MK party’s participation in government does not imply endorsement of recent election outcomes, and they plan to challenge alleged vote rigging in court.
“We wish to clarify that our decision to take the oath of office does not, in any way, signify an acceptance of the May election results. The MK Party steadfastly maintains that the elections were marred by massive election irregularities, rigging, and outright fraud. We are continuing to challenge these results through appropriate legal channels,” Ndhlela said in a statement.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@joy_zelda
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
