Lerato Mbhiza
Former president Jacob Zuma has committed to a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption within the newly established uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
Zuma made this announcement while addressing his supporters in Verulam, Durban in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday as hundreds of people stood in the rain to listen to him speak.
But Zuma himself has been at the centre of corruption allegations, including his involvement in the arms deal scandal and his alleged ties to “state capture” which involved the infamous Gupta family, who are accused of exerting undue influence over decisions of his administration.
He told his supporters the MK aims to save the ANC from what he perceives to be problems associated with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s tenure and said the MK party will bring democracy back to South Africa.
Zuma also warned politicians who “think they know politics” and were insulting the MK Party to “zip it” before he reveals uncomfortable truths about them.
“While many of us fought for freedom, it’s disheartening that some forget our ongoing oppression. We’re under a ruling party led by individuals behaving like thugs. I refrain from elaborating now, but during our campaign, we won’t resort to insults. Instead, we’ll aim to recruit members for the revolution.
“Our freedom remains incomplete, and unfortunately, some of our own people obstruct it. With five months until the elections, there’s time to present facts and engage in dialogue,” he said.
The MK Party is among a number of political parties that were registered with the IEC between June 29, and September 18 to contest the 2024 national elections. It remains unclear who leads the party.
Last week while speaking in Soweto, Zuma made known his intention not to campaign nor vote for the ANC in the upcoming election after being a member of the ruling party for 64 years.
The ANC has threatened legal action over the use of the brand and the name uMkhonto weSizwe saying it is the sole property and has been identified with of one of the oldest liberation movements.
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