MK party blows hot and cold on Zuma's absence from Limpopo campaign

JOHANNESBURG - Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party backed by former president Jacob Zuma has given contrasting reasons behind his abandoned bid to campaign in Limpopo this past weekend.

The party’s spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela told Eyewitness News that Zuma’s absence was due to a family bereavement – while its newly appointed national coordinator claimed the former president was attending a massive rally elsewhere in the country.

This would have been Zuma’s first time venturing into the northern province with the recently registered party.

He has called on South Africans to vote out the ANC – a party he once led for two terms.

Zuma’s bid to show that the MK party is not a Zulu ethno-nationalist party would have seen him going to places including Malamulele, Thohoyandou and Giyani.

ALSO READ:

• Zuma should face disciplinary charges, says ANC's Mantashe
• Zuma a no-show on first day of MK Party's Limpopo election campaign

However, he aborted this mission without even setting foot in Limpopo subsequently leaving the party – still in its infancy - struggling to explain why he was a no-show.

From giving different reasons for Zuma’s absence, the MK party has also blamed the ANC in Limpopo – accusing it of tribalism.

The organisation is relying solely on Zuma’s popularity to garner support, but political analyst Dr Ongama Mtimka says this might not be enough.

“The impact of the existence of Umkhonto Wesizwe will still be important, among other organisations that are cannibalising the ANC. I don’t see the party winning big time anywhere.”

While Zuma has claimed he’s merely supporting the organisation – references to him as its commander has given away crucial clues regarding his role in the establishment of the ANC splinter party.