THE ANC is disappointed but not shocked that former president Jacob Zuma formed his own party.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula told a media briefing in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Friday, 5 January, that uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) belonged to the ruling party.
“We are disappointed because we expected elders to be the ones to give guidance. They don’t have to belong to structures. They have a right to convene us any time and tell us what they think,” he said.
He said the ANC NEC has directed them that they will reflect on Zuma and the statement he made to launch the uMkhonto we Sizwe political party at the right moment.
“There is no party called MK existing in our name through somebody who wants to be a saviour of the party or messiah,” said Mbalula.
Zuma launched MK party in December 2023. uMkhonto we Sizwe was an ANC armed struggle that was disbanded on 16 December 1993, exactly 30 years before its namesake political party was formed.
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The NEC held its meeting earlier on Friday, ahead of the party's 112 anniversary and January 8 statement to be held at Mbombela Stadium on 13 January.
Mbalula said it was not the first time disgruntled members left ANC and formed their own parties. He said that was how Cope and EFF were formed.
He said however, the problem with Zuma is that he stole the name that belongs to the ruling party.
He said as the ANC celebrates is 112 anniversary on 13 January in Mbombela, the party will mobilise community efforts in the fight against crime in various regions.
“This will involve the revitalisation of community policing forums (CPFs) in collaboration with the SAPS and supported by community members,” he said.
He said a Reclaiming the Night march will be organised, moving from one entertainment centre to another.
Mbalula said the emphasis will be placed on establishing street committees and encouraging active community participation in the fight against crime.
