Jacob Zuma to contest in the presidential race

Jacob Zuma expected to run as President under the MK party ticket

By Kumbirai Mutengo

Mar 23, 2024

Umkhonto weSizwe Party is in the news again as it has named former South African president Jacob Zuma as its presidential candidate for the oncoming 2024 elections.

Bongikhosi Khanyile, the MK party youth leader supported the move by the party to name Jacob Zuma as its presidential candidate. Khanyile is in the news again after a long hiatus inspired by the #Feesmustfall campaign in which he was leader. According to reports leaked information on the candidate nomination from Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which had Jacob Zuma as its number 1 candidate.

Jacob Zuma who has served two terms as the South African president will be seeking a third term in office, which is unconstitutional. MK party members threatened anarchy if the IEC does not take note of its candidates and if the party does not reach a two thirds majority. This comes a week after President Cyril Ramaphosa said that those who want to cause havoc if the elections do not go their way will be arrested.

The ANC have suspended Jacob Zuma and his fate is yet to be decided by the party. Zuma has found a new home having left with his supporters and formed the MK party.

The MK party joins other parties including the Democratic Alliance (DA) , Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) , UDM , Patriotic Alliance , Action SA and many others in the race to elect a new South African leader.

President Cyril Ramaphosa proclaimed 29 May 2024 as the election date with all the political parties are preparing for the election. The Democratic Alliance ( DA) is hopeful to win the election this time with its former leader Mmusi Maimane of Build One South Africa movement looking towards making a mark in this election.

All eyes are on the newly formed MK party which threatens the power of the ANC. Jacob Zuma remains a threat to the ANC as his move to depart from the ANC has sent a strong statement to his detractors from the ANC.

More stories