Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Eyaaz
Published on 2024-03-28 14:00:00
The African National Congress (ANC) suffered a setback in its legal battle to prevent the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party from participating in the upcoming elections. Despite this, the ANC is determined to challenge the use of the MK name and logo by the new party.
The ANC sought to assert its ownership rights over the logo used by the MK party, which was registered last year. The party argued that the Electoral Act allowed them to challenge the use of the logo by another party. However, the electoral court rejected the ANC’s bid to have the MK party’s registration declared unlawful, citing the ruling party’s failure to meet the deadline for filing the challenge.
Thousands of supporters from both parties gathered outside the Durban high court for the hearing, where leaders of both parties, including Jacob Zuma and Fikile Mbalula, were present. The ANC’s counsel, Gavin Marriott, argued that the MK party was infringing on the ANC’s trademark rights by using a logo that was similar to the former military wing’s logo. He accused the MK party of trying to confuse voters and capitalize on the goodwill associated with the ANC.
Marriott highlighted the ANC’s role in building the MK brand and accused the new party of attempting to ride on the coattails of the ANC’s legacy. He emphasized that the confusion caused by the MK party’s logo was not limited to the voting booth but was already influencing voters’ perceptions of the two parties.
In response, the MK party’s counsel, Dali Mpofu, argued that the high court did not have jurisdiction to hear the case. Mpofu pointed out that the MK Legacy Project, not the ANC, was the registered owner of the MK name and logo. He questioned the ANC’s motives for challenging the MK party’s use of the logo and accused the ruling party of trying to undermine the new party’s political rights.
Mpofu highlighted Zuma’s endorsement of the MK party as a key factor in the ANC’s decision to take legal action. He suggested that the ANC’s real goal was to hinder the MK party’s election prospects by challenging its use of the logo. Despite the ANC’s claims, Mpofu argued that the party had no legal basis to challenge the MK party’s trademark rights.
Overall, the legal battle between the ANC and the MK party reflects the political tensions surrounding the upcoming elections. Both parties are fighting to protect their identities and gain an advantage in the minds of voters. The outcome of this legal dispute will have significant implications for the political landscape in South Africa.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
