ANC On Jacob Zuma
By Thabo Mosia
The African National Congress (ANC) has accused former president Jacob Zuma of undermining South Africa’s sovereignty and betraying its long‑standing foreign policy principles after the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader openly endorsed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara during a visit to Rabat this week.
Speaking in Morocco on Tuesday, Zuma declared that his MK Party officially supports the North African kingdom’s proposal for Western Sahara, describing it as “the most pragmatic path toward peace.” Zuma said the plan provides “significant local governance” for the Sahrawi people while maintaining Morocco’s sovereignty over the region.
“This effort aligns with our commitment to sovereignty and the territorial integrity of African states,” the MK Party said in its statement. Zuma emphasised that Africa must unite to resolve its conflicts and that his party wanted to contribute to a “better Africa.”
Zuma’s Visit to Rabat and MK Party Statement
Zuma’s appearance in Rabat was accompanied by senior MK Party officials, including Magasela Mzobe, head of the party’s presidency and chairperson of its international relations committee. Mzobe delivered a detailed speech on Zuma’s behalf, recounting the historical ties between Morocco and South Africa.
He recalled that former president Nelson Mandela had received military training in Morocco in 1962, with financial and logistical support extended to South Africa’s liberation movement. Mzobe also highlighted Zuma’s previous meeting with King Mohammed VI in 2017, which he said paved the way for improved diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The MK Party used the platform to launch its policy document titled A Strategic Partnership for African Unity, Economic Emancipation and Territorial Integrity. The document proposes practical solutions for the Western Sahara impasse, asserting that Morocco’s autonomy proposal balances self‑governance and sovereignty, while promoting development and stability in the region.
Mzobe said the party believes the international community should back Morocco’s initiative, adding:
“Our party recognised the historical and legal context that underpins Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara and views Morocco’s effort to reclaim its full territorial integrity as aligning with our commitment to preserving the sovereignty and unity of African states.”
ANC Responds With Outrage
The ANC’s leadership swiftly condemned Zuma’s stance, arguing that it contradicts South Africa’s official position of solidarity with the Sahrawi people in their struggle for self‑determination.
In a strongly worded statement, ANC Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula said:
“The African National Congress (ANC) has noted with deep concern a disturbing development involving the Kingdom of Morocco. In a bilateral meeting with an opposition figure who does not represent the democratically elected government of South Africa, the national flag of the Republic of South Africa was used.”
Mbalula called the use of South Africa’s flag in the meeting “reckless and provocative,” accusing Zuma of being part of “a broader agenda of foreign interference.” He said such actions risk delegitimising South Africa’s constitutional order and discrediting the authority of its democratically elected government.
“We further condemn the opportunistic involvement of Jacob Zuma, who has aligned himself with efforts that erode South Africa’s standing in the international community and betray the principles of non‑alignment, peace, and anti‑colonial solidarity that he once purported to uphold,” Mbalula added.
Sovereignty and Diplomatic Implications
The ANC urged the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to lodge a formal diplomatic protest with Morocco, demanding an explanation and an apology. It also called on all South Africans to reject any foreign-sponsored activities that could undermine national sovereignty.
Mbalula reaffirmed the ANC’s unwavering support for the Polisario Front and the Sahrawi people, noting:
“The ANC will continue to strengthen its longstanding and traditional bonds with the Polisario Front, forged in the common struggle against apartheid and colonialism. Western Sahara is facing significant challenges, and we will not abandon the plight of the Saharawi people.”
Geopolitical Context & Broader Support for Morocco
Zuma’s endorsement came amid growing international momentum behind Morocco’s Autonomy Plan. The UK, France, the United States and Spain have publicly backed the plan as a “credible, viable and pragmatic” solution that offers regional stability.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said the plan supports the UN‑led process and North African stability, noting increased investment opportunities linked to Morocco’s role as a 2030 FIFA World Cup co-host.
However, critics warn that the plan privileges formal sovereignty over self-determination. International human rights groups and legal scholars assert that Western Sahara remains a UN-listed non‑self‑governing territory and that Morocco’s annexation lacks legal standing.
Algeria, a key supporter of the Polisario Front, has expressed concern. Reports say Algerian diplomats have met ANC leaders in Pretoria to assess the fallout of Zuma’s shift.
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