By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Corruption-accused former president Jacob Zuma has committed to a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption within the newly established uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
Last week in Soweto, Zuma declared his intention not to vote for the ANC in the upcoming election. He also stated his decision not to campaign for the party.
After 64 years as an ANC member, Zuma cited a moral stance against supporting the “current ANC” and pledged his vote to the MK Party.
Zuma attended an event at Mzo Lifestyle in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, for the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe party.
He said the MK party will bring democracy back to South Africa.
“The ANC has been reduced to an organisation hardly respected by those it sought to liberate. It’s clear they’re disappointed by the party’s conduct under the current leadership, “he said.
Zuma said those that are criticising the uMkhonto weSizwe party should keep quiet.
“Instead of insults, focus on politics. If they persist, a time will come when we’ll reveal uncomfortable truths about them. There are individuals known to us, and their true nature will be exposed for all to see. Hence, they should remain silent,” said Zuma.
Hundreds of people stood in the rain to listen to Zuma speak in Verulam. The event was also held to register people and sell merchandise for the MK party.
Zuma said the new political outfit will not tolerate corruption from its members.
However, Zuma himself has been at the centre of these allegations, including his involvement in the arms deal scandal and his alleged ties to the infamous Gupta family, who are accused of exerting undue influence over decisions of the previous government.
He said the MK Party’s mission was to liberate South Africans, particularly the oppressed black population, from what he described as the tyranny of the current leadership.
“While many of us fought for freedom, it’s disheartening that some forget our ongoing oppression. We’re under a ruling party led by individuals behaving like thugs. I refrain from elaborating now, but during our campaign, we won’t resort to insults. Instead, we’ll aim to recruit members for the revolution.
“Our freedom remains incomplete, and unfortunately, some of our own people obstruct it. With five months until the elections, there’s time to present facts and engage in dialogue,” he remarked.
Meanwhile ANC national leadership will deploy Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and one of his erstwhile close allies Zweli Mkhize to try to neutralise Zuma’s breakaway party in KwaZulu-Natal in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
Fullview understands the election strategy expected to be adopted by the ANC’s top brass next year would be similar to that which was used to dismantle the Congress of the People (Cope).
Dlamini Zuma and Mkhize ran against Cyril Ramaphosa in the ANC’s elective conference at Nasrec in Gauteng last year and voted for an impeachment process to be instituted against him in parliament — contrary to the ruling party’s instruction.