By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party held a press briefing ahead of their 1st anniversary rally at Durban’s Moses Mabhida stadium on Sunday.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu announced that the African Transformation Movement (ATM) has already accepted the invitation.
“When they come, we will give them an opportunity to give a message of support in our first anniversary of uMkhonto weSizwe because these are our strategic friends in terms of the agenda we are in pursuit of,” Shivambu said.
It remains unclear whether the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will attend the rally.
The party’s relationship with the MK party has been strained after notable EFF figures, including former national chairperson Dali Mpofu, Mzwanele Manyi, and former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, defected to the MK party.
He said the party prioritised transport for party supporters from KZN for logistical reasons.
“We have secured transportation for all 11 regions in KwaZulu-Natal and 44 municipalities. We want to state that we are not going to provide transport for members and supporters of uMkhonto weSizwe from other provinces. The capacity of the stadium and the logistical arrangements and preparedness that we have put in place will not be adequate to host the entire country,” Shivambu said.
“We have made arrangements strictly for KwaZulu-Natal. Those who voluntarily at their cost want to come, they are allowed.
“We have spoken to Prasa to provide us trains that come from kwaMashu, Cato Ridge and uMlazi. We will provide trains for free.”
The party will also pursue a broader plan to merge “black” political parties under its umbrella, including the EFF.
Shivambu hinted that discussions were ongoing and details would be communicated once finalised.
“Major engagements are taking place as to how do we integrate [and] constitute a one political movement,” he said, emphasising the party’s commitment to the radical economic, social, and cultural transformation of South Africa’s majority black population.
Shivambu further stated that the MK party is continuing its legal battle over alleged irregularities in the 2024 national and provincial election results.
Shivambu expressed confidence in proving electoral fraud and stressed the case is ready to stand before the Electoral Court.
“Cases are not presented in rallies. Cases are presented in courts of law, and in terms of massive evidence that has been presented to the leadership, we are more than confident that when [the matter] is a balanced, transparent, and open court, there will be a clear illustration that there was electoral fraud that was targeted on uMkhonto weSizwe,” Shivambu stated.
The party leader Jacob Zuma is set to address the crowd, reflecting on the party’s electoral victories and outlining the path forward.
As the party sets its sights on governing KwaZulu-Natal and expanding into key metros, the event will mark an important moment in the party’s growth and future ambitions.
The MK Party’s and the ANC’s uMkhonto we Sizwe celebrations are likely to clash this weekend as they share the same anniversary date.
The ANC has used December 16 to celebrate the formation of its disbanded military wing, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), which fought the apartheid government.