DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — Former President and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leader Jacob Zuma has expelled a group of disgruntled members who disrupted an inter-faith prayer meeting to stage a candidate list protest. The incident highlights growing internal friction within the party as it navigates administrative challenges ahead of the upcoming November 4 elections.
Hundreds of MK Party supporters had gathered in Durban for a prayer session organized by faith leaders to advocate for peaceful elections. However, the event was interrupted by supporters chanting and waving placards over grievances related to the party’s candidate lists. Zuma attempted to de-escalate the situation, acknowledging that irregularities occurred during the submission of the candidate lists, but emphasized that public protests would not resolve the issue at this stage. He subsequently ordered the removal of the protesters from the event marquee.
Addressing the disruption, MK Party Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo strongly condemned the actions of the protesting members. Nomvalo stated that taking grievances to the streets represents the “highest form of ill discipline” and is entirely unacceptable. He emphasized that members must utilize internal organizational channels to address their concerns.
According to Nomvalo, the party has been actively managing the situation since last week through various strategic interventions. This includes meetings with affected candidates and ward representatives, many of whom were reportedly chosen by the majority of residents in their respective communities. “It is important that we respect the voice of the majority if we claim to be an epitome of democracy,” Nomvalo noted.
The Secretary-General confirmed that recent announcements regarding consequence management were a direct response to glitches detected during the submission of names to the electoral commission’s system. While acknowledging the potential impact on the November 4 outcomes, Nomvalo expressed confidence that the party would still secure victories in the municipalities where they have been most affected. He reiterated that the public views the MK Party as the primary alternative voice for Black South Africans.
Looking ahead to the final stretch of the election campaign, Nomvalo expressed strong satisfaction with the party’s momentum. He highlighted an upcoming mini-rally at a sports field in Phoenix, predicting attendance beyond the venue’s capacity. Nomvalo pointed to successful, well-attended programs across the Eastern Cape, Free State, and Northwest, including a week-long tour visiting traditional leaders, as evidence of growing voter support.
“The attendance that we experience now is a reflection of the outcome of the 4th of November,” Nomvalo concluded.
