Mon. Nov 11th, 2024

Jabulani Khumalo, the founder of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, asserts that he remains a member and leader of the party, expressing intent to meet with former President Jacob Zuma to address his expulsion.

However, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, Zuma’s daughter, refuted claims of any scheduled meeting between her father and Khumalo.

Khumalo, along with four other members, was expelled from the party, described as rogue elements aiming to destabilize it. The MK party accused them of being infiltrators planted to disrupt its operations.

Yet, Khumalo maintains his status as a member and leader of the MK party, registered with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) last year, despite facing legal challenges.

“The MK party does not solely belong to Khumalo or Jacob Zuma; it belongs to the people who support and vote for it,” Khumalo emphasized in an interview with eNCA. “I have been informed of my expulsion, but I remain unclear on its implications. I am steadfast in my membership and leadership until discussions with Zuma are held.”

However, Zuma-Sambudla refuted the notion of a scheduled meeting, stating, “There is no meeting arranged between former MK member Jabulani Khumalo and President Zuma.”

Khumalo, previously listed second on the party’s parliamentary candidate list, faces a challenge as the MK party informed the IEC that Zuma would be listed on the ballot, with Khumalo no longer recognized as the leader. This follows a successful Electoral Court case affirming Zuma’s eligibility to contest elections after an initial objection from the IEC citing his previous conviction.

The IEC has appealed the Electoral Court ruling to the Constitutional Court, granting Zuma and the MK party an extension until Tuesday to submit opposing documents, following their request due to the initial deadline constraints.

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