Former president Jacob Zuma has reaffirmed his lifelong allegiance to the African National Congress (ANC), declaring that he will remain a member of the party until his death, despite leading the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.
Zuma made the remarks on Sunday at the MK Party’s final election rally at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Durban, ahead of the local government elections.
“I will be an ANC member until I die,” Zuma told supporters, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The declaration comes amid the longstanding political contradiction surrounding Zuma’s leadership of the MK Party while maintaining his ANC membership.
Zuma takes aim at the GNU
During his address, Zuma also launched an attack on the Government of National Unity, criticising its partnership with parties he accused of representing white interests.
Speaking in isiZulu, he warned that South Africa was facing what he described as a second death and vowed that the MK Party would continue fighting against the GNU.
“We will fight until we end the GNU,” he told supporters.
Predicts MK Party gains
Zuma also expressed confidence in the MK Party’s performance in the local government elections, predicting that it would take control of several municipalities.
“In a few days we will be taking back our country. In a few days we will be taking back our land. We will be in charge of many municipalities,” he said.
His appearance at the rally came days after he was discharged from hospital.
Zuma concluded his address by joining supporters in singing his trademark struggle song, Umshini Wami.
