Jacob Zuma, former president and current leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has called for peaceful demonstrations if his demand to overturn the May election results is not met. Zuma claims the results were manipulated to disadvantage his MK Party.
Coalition Government Rejected
Recently re-elected President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a Government of National Unity (GNU) comprising the ANC, DA, IFP, and PA nationally, with the NFP included in KwaZulu-Natal. However, Zuma and his party reject this coalition. MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, speaking on Zuma’s behalf, criticised the alliance and announced that the party has appealed to the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein to nullify the election results.
Allegations of Vote Rigging
Zuma claims the MK Party, which secured 45% of the votes in KwaZulu-Natal and 14% nationally, had millions of votes fraudulently allocated to other parties. “When we approached the IEC with evidence of irregularities, they refused to halt the election results. Despite all peaceful efforts to address our grievances, we urge our supporters to remain patient amidst provocations by democratic institutions,” he stated.
Seeking Justice and Peaceful Protests
Despite a failed attempt to block the National Assembly’s first sitting via the Constitutional Court, Zuma insists on peaceful protests if the court rules against the MK Party. He emphasised the party’s commitment to non-violence and its plan to seek international justice if necessary.
Constitutional Critique and Election Boycott
The MK Party, which pledged to abolish the current South African Constitution if elected, argues that the constitution is unsuitable for the country as it is based on Roman and Dutch law. Zuma reiterated this stance during a press briefing, stating, “We are South Africans, not Dutch or Romans.” The party boycotted the National Assembly’s first sitting as part of their protest against alleged vote rigging.
Opposition to the GNU
Zuma dismissed the Government of National Unity as an “unholy alliance” influenced by “white capital.” He urged progressive political parties to resist the GNU, claiming it serves big businesses rather than the people. “This alliance, led by the DA and Ramaphosa’s ANC, is not for the benefit of the markets and must be crushed before it gains momentum,” he declared.
ANC Disciplinary Action
Although leading the MK Party, Zuma remains an ANC member. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula announced that Zuma would face disciplinary action for campaigning for a rival party. “The disciplinary committee against Zuma will proceed as planned,” Mbalula stated.
Reflecting on July 2021 Unrest
The July 2021 unrest, which followed Zuma’s imprisonment for contempt of court, resulted in significant violence and economic damage. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) attributed some responsibility to lapses in law enforcement. SAHRC commissioner Philile Ntuli described the unrest as a culmination of deep-rooted political and social challenges, noting that no direct evidence linked Zuma’s supporters to the violence.
