Former President Jacob Zuma is set to address the nation on Sunday about South Africa’s political situation as his uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party prepares to take its seats in provincial legislatures and Parliament. The MK party announced that Zuma will speak at a “pivotal media conference” to discuss significant national issues and ongoing developments crucial to the country’s future.
Despite achieving 14.58% of the national vote and 45.35% in provincial elections, becoming the largest party in one province, the MK party failed to maintain control over KwaZulu-Natal and did not significantly influence the national level. Analysts have suggested that Zuma’s MK party may be a short-lived entity, expected to diminish in importance after a single term.
The MK party could, however, become a significant opposition force if it aligns with smaller parties outside the African National Congress’ (ANC) government of national unity (GNU), including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). This coalition could challenge the grand alliance of the ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA), and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
During the swearing-in of the seventh administration at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula confirmed that the ANC is negotiating with all parties willing to join the GNU, including the MK party. The ANC has excluded ActionSA and UAT but continues to engage with the MK party to establish the GNU. “The ANC continues to reach out to these parties. We have an agreement to keep engaging with the MK party,” Mbalula stated.
In a surprising move, the MK party announced that its members would attend provincial legislatures on Friday to be sworn in as Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs), despite previous indications to the contrary. However, the party did not send its 58 MPs to the National Assembly for the swearing-in ceremony.
The MK party faced a significant setback on Wednesday when the Constitutional Court dismissed its urgent application to prevent Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and Parliament from proceeding with the first sitting of the new parliament. The MK party sought direct access to the Constitutional Court, claiming it had “exclusive jurisdiction” over its application to halt the first parliamentary session and overturn the election results. The court ruled that the MK party failed to demonstrate that it would suffer irreparable harm without the interdict or that “the balance of convenience favours the granting of the interdict.”
