By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula says, even if the party loses its trademark battle against uMkhonto weSizwe in court, they will focus on ensuring the party achieves an overwhelming victory in the upcoming elections.
MK Party created a stir following its official launch by commander, Jabulani Khumalo, in December last year when its name and logo bore the MK name and logo.
Historically, the uMkhonto weSizwe means ‘Spear of the nation’ and was the paramilitary wing of the ANC and was founded by former ANC leader and SA president, Nelson Mandela.
Mbalula said the ANC will fight for what rightfully belonged to the party.
He was addressing ANC supporters during its case against the MK party where the ANC was arguing the MK party’s symbol bears similarities to that of its erstwhile military wing Umkhonto we Sizwe.
Mbalula rejected suggestions the court action against the MK party, fronted by former ANC president Jacob Zuma, was giving it free advertising.
“Some of you say we are promoting these people [MK party] by going to court. I disagree, we are being told by cowards to not rightfully challenge what is ours.
“Even if they come and argue here in court, they know the truth — the spear belongs to the ANC and the national executive committee, we decided we will take this matter on with the registration and the trademark,” he said.
Even if unsuccessful, as was the case on Tuesday in the Electoral Court in a separate case relating to the registration of the MK party as a political party, supporters should not despair but focus on election campaigning.
“Even if we lose, it won’t be new. What matters is that we will work among our people to win an overwhelming victory for the ANC; that won’t be stopped by Zuma and his spear of bread.”
“We have no problem with Zuma, he can call what he’s doing whatever he wants, as long as he doesn’t call it Umkhonto we Sizwe because Umkhonto is ours,” he said.
KwaZulu-Natal is expected to be a key battleground in the May 29 elections. Mbalula said the ANC will not be intimidated into silence.
Meanwhile the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member Carl Niehaus has reactivated his R10 million defamation lawsuit against Mbalula.
Niehaus posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he had instructed his lawyers to go “full steam ahead” with his long-standing lawsuit against Mbalula, “leaving no stone unturned.”
He said “Dinge gaan net nog kakker gaan vir hom!,” meaning things are only going to be get worse for Mbalula.
“I have a special message for @MbalulaFikile, after yesterday’s Electoral Court judgement … Dinge gaan net nog kakker gaan vir hom! Yesterday, I instructed my attorneys to go full steam ahead with my long-standing R10 million defamation lawsuit against him. I am coming for you, and I am not leaving a stone unturned!” Niehaus said on X.
In 2021, Niehaus slapped Mbalula with a lawsuit for going on an international platform to dishonour his reputation. Mbalula refused to pay the amount when Niehaus’ lawyers first made the demand for damages.
This is after, in an interview with the BBC’s HardTalk television programme on July 21, Mbalula accused Niehaus of being an instigator of the violence that erupted across the country, specifically in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.