At the age of 82, former South African president Jacob Zuma has made a surprising comeback leading the upstart party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK). Despite being barred from the recent general election due to a contempt conviction, Zuma’s new party has emerged as the country’s third-largest political entity in just eight months.
With a significant lead over the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Zuma’s MK has managed to dent the ANC’s traditional stronghold in the province. The ANC’s dwindling support can be attributed to power cuts, water disruptions, municipal mismanagement, and internal leadership conflicts.
Although the ANC’s decline in KZN has impacted its national standing, political analysts suggest that the party’s widespread governance failures have contributed to its loss of support across the country. Voters in KZN have shown a desire for change by gravitating towards Zuma’s familiar image, despite his involvement in scandals and corruption allegations.
As the MK party continues to gain traction, questions remain about its governance capabilities and leadership structure. With no clear candidates for provincial or local leadership, the untested entity faces scrutiny as it aims to secure control over KZN. Despite its lack of track record, Zuma’s enduring charisma and popularity among Zulu voters have propelled the MK party into the spotlight, highlighting the evolving political landscape in South Africa.