Zambia: Mbeki Betrays Zuma, According to Africa Links 24

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-03-16 12:36:50

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has made scathing comments about his successor, Jacob Zuma, accusing him of undermining the country’s democracy. Zuma recently left the African National Congress (ANC) after decades of membership and formed a new party, Umkonto weSizwe (MK). In a speech at the University of South Africa (Unisa) annual lecture, Mbeki criticized the leadership of the MK party, alleging that they had been involved in undermining the South African Revenue Services (Sars).

Mbeki also took issue with Zuma’s contradictory statements regarding the MK party. Despite announcing his intention to contest elections and support the MKP, Zuma distanced himself from the “ANC of Ramaphosa” while still maintaining his ANC membership. The ANC responded by effectively expelling Zuma from the party. Mbeki criticized this stance, arguing that one cannot be a member of the ANC and actively campaign against it simultaneously. He found Zuma’s position lacking in coherence and reasoning.

Further discussing the MK party, Mbeki highlighted the leadership’s association with past attempts to destabilize Sars. He emphasized the importance of understanding the motives behind such breakaways by recognizing the individuals involved in disruptive actions. The MK party’s youth league declared Zuma as their presidential candidate during a media briefing in Johannesburg, issuing ultimatums to disrupt upcoming elections if Zuma and the MKP were not allowed on the ballot.

The electoral process is already underway, with political parties submitting their candidate lists to the Electoral Commission (IEC). Objections to certain candidates on the lists are expected, and the dispute between the ANC and MKP over the use of the name uMkhonto weSizwe will be settled by the Electoral Court next week, following the ANC’s trademark application regarding MK.

The rift between Zuma and the ANC continues to widen, with Mbeki’s comments adding fuel to the fire. The political landscape in South Africa is becoming increasingly contentious as the upcoming elections draw closer. The actions of Zuma and the MK party are likely to have a significant impact on the political climate in the country.

Overall, Mbeki’s condemnation of Zuma and the MK party reflects the deep-rooted divisions within the South African political landscape. The stability of the country’s democracy is at stake as key political figures clash and form new political entities. The upcoming elections will be a crucial turning point in determining the future direction of South Africa’s leadership and governance.

Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye