The meteoric rise of the MK Party in South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa | By Melody Chironda ALL AFRICA.COM  | The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) emerged onto the political scene in September 2023, initially shrouded in mystery with its headquarters listed in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, reports News24.

Despite its obscure origins, the party quickly gained traction, holding frequent public events. However, investigations revealed its headquarters to be a dilapidated house, raising questions about its legitimacy.

Jabulani Khumalo, the party’s interim chairperson, claims ties to the African National Congress ( ANC’s) military wing, MK, though MK veterans dispute his involvement.

The party faced objections from the ANC, which accused it of appropriating the MK name.

In December, former president Jacob Zuma announced his affiliation with MKP, citing dissatisfaction with the current ANC leadership. This announcement sparked controversy and intensified the ANC’s opposition to the party.

Despite facing legal challenges and criticism, MKP saw significant growth in KwaZulu-Natal, with polls indicating it could become a major player in the upcoming elections. However, questions remain about its funding and leadership beyond Zuma.

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SOURCE: ALL AFRICA.COM