By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Jacob Zuma has cancelled his highly anticipated visit to Limpopo, which was originally scheduled for this weekend due to family bereavement.
Zuma was set to travel to several villages in Limpopo on Friday to rally support for the new party ahead of the elections.
The former president was a no-show, leading to speculation that the provincial ANC was behind the failed visit.
This has been strongly denied by the ANC’s spokesperson in Limpopo, Jimmy Machaka.
“At no circumstances we have sabotaged any event of Zuma. What the people of Limpopo, the people of Malamulele have done, they have rejected his visit because they do not believe his visit is in the interest of their needs as communities of Malamulele.
“He’s just unpopular in Limpopo. He has turned himself into a rebel, and the people of South Africa are beginning to realise what the old man is doing. Instead of resting with his children, he is doing something that is just shocking”.
Zuma was also set to visit the graves of anti-apartheid activists Peter ‘Dambuza’ Malada and Collins Chabane, but both foundations rejected his request.
“We wish to appreciate the decision by Peter Dambuza Foundation and Collins Chabane Foundation for having rejected the request to visit the grave sites of the former fallen heroes of the African National Congress, added Machaka.’
A statement issued by the MK Party said the cancellation was necessitated by a “bereavement in the family”.
Zuma was set to meet with traditional leaders and other stakeholders during his visit.
This visit is considered pivotal in providing Zuma with the opportunity to connect with the residents of Limpopo, gaining insights into their needs, frustrations, and aspirations.
Zuma expressed regret over the unforeseen circumstances that led to the postponement, emphasizing that the decision was beyond his control.