Johannesburg, June 16, 2024 – Former President Jacob Zuma has declared there is no government of national unity (GNU) in South Africa, dismissing the notion as a fabrication. Zuma made these statements during a “pivotal media conference” held by his uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party on Sunday.
Zuma, through a statement read by MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela, claimed the recent elections were rigged and not reflective of the true will of the people. He argued that his party was unfairly deprived of victory and accused the media of perpetuating the false narrative of a GNU. Zuma specifically targeted the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), demanding they stop misleading the public.
“We need to educate our people that there is no government of national unity in South Africa,” Zuma asserted. He described the supposed GNU as an “unholy alliance” between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the ANC under President Cyril Ramaphosa, alleging it was sponsored by big business for market benefit rather than the people’s interests.
Zuma questioned the legitimacy of the GNU, pointing out that its founding documents were only signed by Fikile Mbalula and Helen Zille. He claimed this arrangement resembled the return of apartheid and colonialism.
Zuma also addressed the broader political landscape following the 2024 elections, which he claimed have consolidated right-wing forces opposed to economic freedom and racial equality. He criticized the ANC and DA, likening them to the apartheid-era National Party.
In a significant move, Zuma announced that the MK party would collaborate with a “progressive caucus” in Parliament, including parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Al Jama-ah, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), United African Transformation, and United Democratic Movement (UDM). Despite the MK party’s claims of electoral fraud, the Constitutional Court dismissed their complaint as without merit.
“The results announced by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) are not a true reflection of what is happening,” Zuma stated. He emphasized that the premature release of election results was illegal and that the newly formed progressive caucus commands nearly 30% of National Assembly seats, a number he claimed would be higher without alleged electoral fraud.
Zuma called on all South Africans to support the MK party and its allies, marking his address on June 16 as a significant date. The MK party’s Members of Parliament, who initially boycotted the first sitting of the National Assembly, will now take up their seats and form the official opposition following legal advice.
“The patriotic front will continue the struggle both inside and outside of Parliament,” Zuma concluded, indicating that the MK party’s 58 MPs would fully participate in the legislative process as part of the official opposition.
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