The African National Congress’ attempt to extract the uMkhonto Wesizwe political party from this year’s ballot paper in the seventh democratic elections was recently refuted by the Electoral Court.
The Electoral Court’s decision was based on several reasons which include the ANC’s late submission of its MK party objection as well as the “no merit” findings for the Umkhonto Wesizwe name registration as it had been registered lawfully.
uMkhonto Wesizwe is a new political party that houses former ANC President, Jacob Zuma, among its leaders. It was once a wing of the ANC that was formed by the ANC military veterans.
Even though the party celebrated their Electoral Court victory which was handed to them at South Gauteng High Court recently, they are currently at the Durban High Court, in a bid to fight the ANC who claim the uMkhonto Wesizwe as their trademark.
Speaking to the media, ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula clarified the ruling party’s reasons for taking on MK, commenting, “It will be clarified in court, I respect the court, we have gone to court and we raised our case. Following the court process, we are putting a very cogent argument, concerning the de-registration of the MK party.”
He added, “This MK thing with the logo and everything belongs to the ANC and we’ll prove that in court. Jacob Zuma and his supporters must be ready for engagement on this one.”
MK part members gathered at the KZN High Court for proceeds on the reregistration of their party which according to the ANC is their intellectual property.
WATCH: MK party members outside the High Court showing support for their movement.
WATCH: MK Party members gather in song and dance outside the Durban High Court (sitting at the magistrate’s court) where the ANC has brought a copyright infringement application against the MK Party. @Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/Uv6p8qkoBe
— Linda Mnisi (@LindA_MniSii) March 27, 2024
Also see: WATCH: Siya Kolisi cheers for Keziah as she attempts Mnike dance challenge