The Umkhonto WeSizwe (MK) party has announced a boycott of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration, set for Wednesday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Chief Justice Raymond Zondo will officiate the ceremony, which marks Ramaphosa’s second term under a new government of national unity (GNU).
The boycott comes amidst strong criticism from MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, who labeled the event a “farcical inauguration” and Ramaphosa a “puppet DA-sponsored president.” Ndhlela accused the ANC and DA of forming a “racist coalition” that undermines the struggle for total freedom and land repossession. He also claimed the recent election was marred by massive vote manipulation involving the IEC and other state institutions.
Despite the expected attendance of at least 18 heads of state, the MK party, associated with former president Jacob Zuma, will be absent. The party calls on supporters of true freedom and democracy to distance themselves from the event. “The ANC has sold its soul to the DA to secure the position of President for Ramaphosa. Clearly, positions matter more to the ANC than the well-being of our people,” said Ndhlela. He vowed the MK party would use all legal means to challenge what they deem an illegitimate regime.
Jacob Zuma, during a Sunday media briefing, echoed these sentiments, asserting there is no genuine GNU in South Africa. He described the alliance between the DA and the ANC as a “white-led, unholy alliance” that benefits big business over the people. Zuma also revealed that the MK party plans to approach the International Court over vote-rigging claims and criticized South African judges for biased rulings.
Despite the boycott, Zuma announced that the MK party would engage in the legislative arm of the state alongside the Progress Caucus, which includes the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Al Jama-ah, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), United African Transformation, and United Democratic Movement (UDM).
