By Zukile Majova
Political Editor
The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party is picking a fight with the Independent Electoral Commission by nominating Jacob Zuma to be its presidential candidate, despite his criminal record.
The party says it wants Zuma on the ballot paper or else it will unleash political violence.
The party’s youth leader, Bonginkosi Khanyile, told a media conference on Wednesday that an MK revolt would be bigger than the week-long July unrest that cost the economy more than R50-billion and resulted in the deaths of over 300 people.
Khanyile claimed MK has 9.6-million members and therefore it expected to win the elections.
“There is no way that we can be defeated by the ANC. We won’t accept any result that says we lost the election. It’s not possible,” he said.
The party is insisting on Zuma as its presidential candidate, knowing full well he is not eligible to hold public office in terms of the law.
The IEC has clarified that Zuma cannot participate in the 2024 national general elections because of his criminal record.
Section 47 (e) of the South African Constitution blocks anyone convicted and sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine from holding public office.
Msholozi was sentenced to 15 months in prison for defying a summons to appear before the State Capture Commission in 2021.
The law allows Zuma to campaign for public office five years after he left prison, which means he would be eligible for public office during the 2029 elections.
MK insists Zuma’s political ambitions are being frustrated by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
“We are clear, we don’t have confidence in the South African courts under the leadership of Zondo,” said the MK youth leader.
“The first thing when MK takes power, we are chopping Zondo’s head. Zondo is a liability.”
Meanwhile, former president Thabo Mbeki said the Zondo commission concluded that Zuma was the main figure in an attempt to destroy the government and capture the South African Revenue Services and SAA.
“And of course you know who the president was and it says in black and white Jacob Zuma was part of the leadership in the process to destroy SARS.
“That’s not my opinion; I’m telling you what the Zondo commission says,” said Mbeki while delivering the Thabo Mbeki Lecture at Unisa on Wednesday.
