Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
13 May 2024 | 11:00 CAT
2 min read

Internal strife within the MK Party (MKP) has emboldened the ANC to exploit divisions, with reports suggesting recruitment efforts targeting disillusioned members. Tensions between MKP founder Jabulani Khumalo and ex-president Jacob Zuma have reportedly disrupted election campaigns, prompting Khumalo’s expulsion and subsequent efforts to remove Zuma as the party’s face and top candidate.

Speaking to Radio Islam, Professor of Political Science, Amanda Gouws, suggests that Khumalo’s expulsion indicates an attempt to eliminate individuals who might challenge his authority. However she stated that from the voters’ standpoint, this move could be perceived negatively due to the conspicuous conflict it creates.

Gouws pointed out that the campaign primarily focuses its efforts in KwaZulu-Natal. “What the ANC was doing over the weekend, it had members of the NEC, Thabo Mbeki and members of all the womens, youth and veteran leagues campaigning on grassroots level. They are going full out to try and claw back that support that may go to MK, and it’s not clear what MK party is doing to prevent that from happening,” she said.

Khumalo penned a letter to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), urging the removal of Zuma as MK party president. He alleged that the former president unlawfully held the leadership position.

“To remove Zuma’s face or the MK party from the ballot is nearly impossible because we cannot reprint those the ballots,” said Gouws.

She suggests that the Electoral Commission could consider the fact that Zuma possesses a criminal record, particularly his recent case of contempt of court for which he served three months. This aspect should be carefully weighed in their ruling.

“This is unknown territory, it is unheard of that an ex-President goes back into the political system and then becomes a Premier or Member of Parliament, the consideration here, will lead to a lot of court cases after the elections if MK gets enough support to get him as a member of Parliament or a member of the Provincial government,” she said.

Gouws highlighted that MK is actively mobilising traditional leaders, who hold significant influence over people residing in rural areas governed by customary law. This strategy could serve as a major rallying point for MK.

Sources indicate that select officials from the ANC’s national and provincial executive committees in KwaZulu-Natal are actively engaging in recruitment efforts. Allegedly targeting MK Party members who defected from the ANC, these actions highlight strategic manoeuvres amidst the ongoing political turbulence.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Professor Amanda Gouws, here.

*Prof Amanda Gouws is Distinguished Professor of Political Science and holds a PhD from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in the USA.