MK Party presence blamed for ANC boycotting Conference of the Left

By Thapelo Molefe

Claims that the African National Congress (ANC) stayed away from the Conference of the Left because of the participation of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former ANC and state president Jacob Zuma, surfaced during the second day of the gathering in Boksburg on Saturday.

Addressing delegates, Shosholoza Party representative Dr Ray Rasenthu suggested that opposition to the MK Party’s presence was behind the ANC’s decision not to participate in the conference.

“I’m told at the ANC, this is based on rumour comrades, it’s boycotting the comrades because they are objecting to the presence of certain political parties here,” Rasenthu said.

“I’m told they are not happy with the MK presence in this conference.”

The remarks come just days after ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula announced that the party would not attend the three-day conference, which has brought together left-wing political parties, trade unions, activists and community