The ANC has been unsuccessful in its legal attempt to deregister the uMkhonto Wesizwe party, the Electoral Court ruled on Tuesday morning.
Judge Lebogang Modiba announced the dismissal of the application, mentioning a lack of legal grounds for the ANC’s challenge.
The court emphasised that the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer’s decision to register the MK party was lawful and pointed out that the ANC missed two prior opportunities to oppose the registration.
This verdict keeps the MK party’s registered status, ensuring it will contest the upcoming election.
The ANC’s delay in filing its application, from the decision date in September 2023 to January 2024, was criticised by the court as unjustified.
The ANC had argued that the registration of the MK party was flawed and should not have been approved by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
However, both the IEC and the MK party defended the legitimacy of the registration process.
The MK party further suggested that the ANC’s opposition emerged only after former president Jacob Zuma declared his partnership with the MK party.
The creation of the MK party by Jabulani Khumalo in September of the previous year created controversy, particularly after Jacob Zuma, associated with the ANC’s military wing founded in 1961, indicated his support for the MK party.
This led to Zuma’s suspension from the ANC.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: uMkhonto Wesizwe support.
Image source: X
