The African National Congress (ANC), through its Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, has announced its intention to appeal a recent court decision regarding the MK party’s use of the Umkhonto Wesizwe name and logo.
The Durban High Court dismissed the ANC’s opposition to the MK party’s use of these symbols, prompting Fikile Mbalula to express his dissatisfaction with the recent court ruling.
Speaking at a press briefing after the judgement, Mbalula criticized the court for what he perceived as taking the easy way out. He asserted that the ANC would not be deterred and would continue to fight for what they believe is right.
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Mbalula accused the MK party of attempting to undermine and collapse the ANC, stating, “They are throwing a last dice and hoping it will bring the ANC down, and they can do what they want to do.”
Mbalula also suggested that the MK party, founded by former President Jacob Zuma, was leveraging the name and reputation of the ANC to gain attention. He claimed that whenever the ANC is involved in a legal battle, the MK party seeks to capitalize on the situation.
According to The Times Post report, Fikile Mbalula remained confident in the ANC’s campaign for the upcoming elections, stating, “The ANC campaign is unstoppable. We are not deterred.”
On the other hand, Jabulani Khumalo, co-founder of the MK party, expressed his satisfaction with the court’s ruling.
He declared it a good day for the party and for those who support former President Jacob Zuma. Khumalo emphasized that their primary focus at the moment is on campaigning and promoting Zuma.
The #MK Party says it has won today's trademark judgment in the Durban High Court. It was up against the ANC over the use of the logo which bears a shield and a spear. The judgment was delivered a short while ago. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/Uvt1lUzyGm
— Vusi Khumalo (@djvuslo) April 22, 2024
The ANC’s opposition to the use of the Umkhonto Wesizwe name and logo by the MK party is based on their claim of trademark infringement.
The ANC argues that these symbols belong to them and that the MK party’s use of them is unauthorized. They contend that trademarks should apply to political parties as well, not just businesses.
While the court’s decision may have been a setback for the ANC, they remain determined to pursue their case. Mbalula affirmed that they would take the matter to the highest court in the land and argue the facts, focusing on the trademark issue rather than the politics involved.
The implications of this legal battle on the upcoming elections remain uncertain. Mbalula suggested that the outcome would only become clear on May 29th, the day of the elections. However, he maintained that the ANC’s campaign would continue unabated.
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