Former President Jacob Zuma, whose Umkhonto Wizizwe (MK) party promised to topple his former political party the ANC, has called on leaders of his new party aiming for positions in Parliament.
Zuma was addressing thousands of party supporters on Saturday afternoon at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, where the MK’s party held its final meeting before the general elections scheduled for May 29.
Fans bused in from different parts of the country – especially the home province of KwaZulu-Natal – began arriving at the stadium in the early hours of the day, wearing MK party gear and singing struggle songs.
As expected, Zuma arrived at least three hours after the program was scheduled to start, surrounded by party members wearing what are commonly known as the indigenous military uniform of uMkhonto we Sizwe, which was the military wing of the ANC. Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile, who is expected to lead the party after the election, also attended.
Before Zuma’s arrival, the concert featured popular artistes including Big Zulu and Mthandeni who entertained the crowds.
He criticized the political parties that have spread recently, accusing them of being driven by their ambitions to reach Parliament instead of fighting for the poor.
“We have a lot of political parties that take money from white people. Going to Parliament has now become a means to an end. “We are too old to fight thieves, and I should enjoy my retirement with my grandchildren.”
Criticizing his comrades within the Knesset Party, Zuma said those who wished to be part of the party’s national executive committee would not become government ministers.
“We cannot all go to Parliament. You cannot assume that you will go to Parliament because you are a member of the National Electoral Commission. There are many responsibilities ahead of us and not just Parliament.”
“We are not here for positions, we are here to change black lives. We have temporary structures, temporary structures, and yet there are people who think this is a step forward for them. There are people who
@Julius_S_Malima Give credit where it is due President Jacob Zuma is loved. pic.twitter.com/tyeujD5hOr
– Member of Knesset Mkhonto Wesizwe Party 💚🖤💚👑 (@KingMntungwa) May 18, 2024
I think they are here to fill positions. Post and guardian
