The recent presidential imbizo in Ackerville, Mpumalanga, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, faced an unexpected interruption from supporters of former president Jacob Zuma.
As the event commenced, these supporters burst into song, chanting “wenzeni uZuma” (what has Zuma done), a familiar rallying cry associated with Zuma’s political career. The disruption aimed to challenge Ramaphosa’s leadership and divert attention from the imbizo’s agenda.
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In response to the disruptive chants, members of the uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (MKP), a political group aligned with Zuma, attempted to further disrupt the proceedings.
However, their efforts were met with a counter-chant from a woman on the loudspeaker, singing “Ramaphosa siyak’thanda,” which translates to “we love you Ramaphosa.”
WATCH: Scenes from Witbank in Mpumalanga, where President Cyril Ramaphosa is hosting an imbizo. Video: Samkele Maseko/SABC News pic.twitter.com/iAa5uKeFaO
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) March 7, 2024
This show of support aimed to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and affirm the people’s loyalty towards the current president.
These incidents occurred amidst escalating tensions surrounding the upcoming elections. MKP leader Visvin Reddy recently threatened violence if the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) did not include his party on the ballot.
The IEC requires new political parties to gather approximately 50,000 signatures to be eligible for the May 29 elections. Mmusi Maimane’s Build One South Africa party managed to secure 140,000 signatures, ensuring its place on the ballot.
The African National Congress (ANC) condemned the MKP’s threats, labelling them as reckless and a direct threat to South Africa’s democratic institutions and its people. The IEC has also called on political parties to refrain from violence during this critical period.
President Ramaphosa sternly warned those advocating for civil unrest, emphasizing that they would face arrest. He reaffirmed the commitment of the South African people to democracy and the rule of law.
Despite these disruptions, President Ramaphosa successfully engaged with the people of Mpumalanga at the imbizo and conducted a site visit to the newly constructed Middleburg Hospital.
