The news that expelled founder of Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) political party, Jabulani Khumalo had sent out a letter to the IEC for Jacob Zuma’s removal as the party’s leader made its way to social media platforms, later prompting the commission to issue a media statement on the matter.
The letter was sent to the IEC after Jabulani tried to suspend Msholozi while expelled. In the letter he shared that there were many MK activities which raise eye brows.
He added that Jacob Zuma was initially not to become a member of MK but that he was there to advise him politically and help them campaign for elections.
Speaking on Msholozi’s involvement in the formation of the party, he said:
“The name uMkhonto weSizwe was proposed by Mr Zuma. I was responsible for the registration of MKP with the electoral commission.”
He continued, “At all times it was understood that Mr Zuma is not a member of MKP, but would assist it in the campaign.”
Confirming what Msholozi had also said, Jabulani shared, “When he announced his decision to vote and campaign for MKP on 16 December 2023, he made it clear that he would remain a member of the ANC.”
After sharing all his reasons for thinking that Msholozi hijacked his party, he noted:
“In these circumstances, I request urgently that the Electoral Commission should remove Mr Zuma’s name as the ‘face’ of MKP. He should also be immediately removed as the president of the MKP. He occupies both positions through fraudulent and illegal manoeuvres.”
JACOB ZUMA SUSPENDED FROM MK PARTY
MK Party President, Mr Jabulani Khumalo has suspended Jacob Zuma from the party. Khumalo rightly says Zuma has committed several
Acts of misconduct in relation to MK Party activities. Separately there was a major bust up in Durban last night… pic.twitter.com/8Vv1BlKg7r— Goolam (@goolammv) May 7, 2024
After the letter started circulating, the IEC released a media statement that stated:
“The Electoral Commission confirms that it has received communication from Mr Jabulani Khumalo on behalf of the MK Party… In that letter Mr Khumalo demands that the Electoral Commission should remove Mr Zuma as the ‘face of MKP and as the president of the MKP.”
“The commission reiterates its stance that it does not involve itself in the internal affairs of political parties. Additionally, the commission only acts on the instruction of the registered leader of the party. In the present case, Mr Jacob Zuma is the registered leader of MK Party. This has been so since 10 April 2024,” said the commission.
The attempts to remove Jacob Zuma by Khumalo have reached a dead end.
Firstly he resigned from position of party leader. This is how Zuma outsmarted him.
Secondly the IEC has said that he is not the registered leader of the MK party. As of 10 April 2024 the leader is JG Zuma. pic.twitter.com/kmaIPK5PjV
— Africa Research Desk (@MightiJamie) May 7, 2024
Also see: Internet’s funny reaction to Jacob Zuma’s return to the ballot paper