The African National Congress (ANC) has strongly condemned the recent threats of violence made by Visvin Reddy, an affiliate of the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP).
In a video shared on social media, Reddy, who is now aligned with the African Democratic Change party, can be heard threatening riots and anarchy if the MKP is not included on the May 29 election ballot sheets.
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In response to these threats, the ANC issued a statement expressing concern and emphasising that such actions undermine the foundations of democracy.
Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, the ANC national spokesperson, stated that “the threats of anarchy, riots, and the disruption of elections are not only reckless but also pose a direct threat to the institutions of democracy and the people of South Africa.”
Reddy has since retracted his earlier comments, stating that he did not intend for his sentiments to be taken out of context.
He highlighted the influence that former President Zuma wields in the country and suggested that any violence or riots would be a consequence of the ANC’s attempts to remove the MKP from the ballot paper.
The ANC and the MKP have been engaged in a legal battle over the use of the name and trademark, uMkhonto Wesizwe.
The ANC argues that the use of their apartheid-era military wing’s name and likeness may mislead the public into believing a connection between the MKP and the governing party.
The ANC’s legal dispute regarding the uMkhonto Wesizwe trademark is scheduled to be heard on March 19 at the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein. The outcome of this case will determine the future use of the logo and trademark by the MKP.
WATCH: Visvin Reddy of the MK Party in Durban openly saying that if the Jacob Zuma led party is barred by the courts from contesting the upcoming elections, there will be anarchy, riots and no one will be allowed to vote. pic.twitter.com/FmqRIjhnKd
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) March 5, 2024
 strongly condemns the recent threats of violence made by Visvin Reddy, an affiliate of the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP).){kind=link}