Axing of MKP leaders is from a book we’ve read

IN A MOVE reminiscent of his controversial actions during his presidency, Jacob Zuma, former South African president, has once again resorted to the axing of leaders from the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), employing conspiracy theories and skulduggery as his preferred methods of political management.

The recent expulsion of MKP leaders, including the party’s founder, Bongani Khumalo, has raised serious concerns about Zuma’s influence on MKP which has boldly proclaimed that it would replace the ANC.

Zuma’s history of using underhanded tactics to remove political opponents is well-documented. During his presidency, those who opposed his actions in the Cabinet were, more often than not, axed using bogus “intelligence” reports.

These actions were widely criticised as politically-motivated moves to consolidate power and eliminate dissent within the ANC.

The timing of the axing of MKP leaders is particularly concerning, coming just four weeks before the upcoming election. MKP had positioned itself as a potential power broker in KwaZulu-Natal at the national government level. However, Zuma’s actions have thrown the party’s election campaign into disarray, raising questions about its ability to fulfil its promises to voters.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, in charge of the governing party’s election machinery, will be smiling as chaos unfolds within MKP. This, they hope, will boost the ANC’s electoral chances, particularly, in KwaZulu-Natal where it faces an uphill battle for control of the province from a resurgent IFP and the DA.

Khumalo started the party with high hopes of challenging the status quo and advocating for the interests of marginalised communities. However, he soon found himself caught in political currents stronger than he could have imagined.

The axing of MKP’s leaders is reminiscent of the strife experienced soon after the Congress of the People(COPE) participated in its first general election in 2009. It got 30 seats after getting more than 1.3 million votes. In 2019, during the last general elections, the party’s support had diminished to just over 47 000 votes, and two MPs. After the May 29 election, COPE could effectively be confined to the dustbin of history.