As South Africans prepare to go to the polls in about two months’ time, the African National Congress (ANC) is deeply concerned about the possibility of losing KwaZulu-Natal to the Mkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP).
The upcoming national and provincial elections, scheduled for 29 May, are expected to be the most fiercely contested elections since the dawn of democracy in South Africa.
With former President Jacob Zuma once declaring that the ANC would rule South Africa “until Jesus comes back,” his second coming and the emergence of his new MK Party could have a significant impact on the country’s elections.
If the MK Party successfully overcomes the legal challenge to keep its leader on the ballot, it is expected to make these elections the most pivotal since the end of apartheid.
The ANC, fearing the potential consequences of the MK Party’s rise, has decided to deploy Umkhonto Wesizwe war veterans to the campaign trail in order to counter this threat in KwaZulu-Natal.
The governing party recently held a special meeting with the provincial top five officials to strategize and map a way forward. The ANC is particularly worried about its support in KwaZulu-Natal, given the establishment of the MK Party and the recent resurgence of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) through numerous by-election wins, among other factors.
The high-ranking officials, including the ANC’s top seven officials, convened this meeting as the ANC lost a case attempting to prevent the MKP from participating in the forthcoming elections.
Several members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) expressed their concern that losing KwaZulu-Natal would have a detrimental effect on the party’s planned outright majority at the national level. A source close to the party stated, “KwaZulu-Natal is the biggest voting bloc, and we can’t afford to lose it because that would spell danger for the party.”
Zuma’s Determination to Go to Parliament
Meanwhile, Zuma, despite the obstacles, is determined to go to parliament, even if it means amending the constitution. The MK Party, which is backed by Zuma, stated that they will study the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) decision that Zuma will not be able to stand as a candidate for the party in the 29 May elections.
However, the party emphasized that Zuma remains the face of the party, whether he is eligible to be on the ballot or not. They warned that the constitution should not supersede the “will of the people” and suggested that it could be changed to allow the former president to participate in the elections.
The MK Party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, stated, “The people will decide if we contest elections without Zuma. The people have decided that they want President Zuma to lead them.”
This indicates the party’s determination to rally behind Zuma, despite the legal challenges he faces.
Concerns about Zuma’s Safety
Zuma’s party has also expressed concerns about the safety of their leader, especially after he narrowly escaped unharmed in a dramatic car accident in KwaZulu-Natal. The accident occurred shortly before 7pm on Thursday night, just hours after the IEC barred Zuma from standing in the May 29 general elections.
A 51-year-old man has been arrested on charges of drunk, reckless, and negligent driving after crashing into Zuma’s official armoured state vehicle. He is expected to appear in the Eshowe Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
These recent events have added to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the upcoming elections in South Africa. The ANC’s concern and fear of losing KwaZulu-Natal, the determination of Zuma to participate in the political arena, and the safety concerns for Zuma himself all contribute to the high stakes involved in this election.
As the country prepares for this crucial democratic process, the outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of South Africa.
