By Thabo Mosia
Ten former Members of Parliament (MPs) from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party are pursuing legal action to freeze the party’s bank accounts and that of its president, Jacob Zuma. They aim to claim damages for loss of earnings following their dismissal from Parliament. The group alleges that they contributed a portion of their salaries to Zuma’s personal account, intended for party operations, and now question the use of these funds.
Background of the Dispute
In August 2024, the MK Party dismissed 18 MPs, including the ten applicants, citing concerns over their membership status and alignment with party principles. The dismissed MPs contend that they resigned from previous employment to serve in Parliament, earning a monthly salary of R102,000. Their sudden removal has left them without income and housing, adversely affecting their dependants.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement
The former MPs claim they were encouraged to donate R10,000 each from their parliamentary salaries into Zuma’s personal Capitec Bank account. This gesture was intended as a sign of loyalty and to support the party’s operations. However, they now allege that these funds, along with public donations, have not been utilized as intended. In court documents, they state:
“The applicants campaigned for the MK party and persuaded the public to make significant financial contributions to the party on assurances that the party was democratic, and the funds would be administered to pursue policy that progresses the country. We did not campaign for the funds to be used at the sole discretion of Mr. Zuma.”
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
In September 2024, the Western Cape High Court dismissed the group’s application for an interdict to prevent their replacements from being sworn in. The former MPs are appealing this decision and have filed papers with the Gauteng High Court to freeze the MK Party’s Standard Bank accounts and Zuma’s personal account. They argue that this action is necessary to claim damages for their financial losses.
Party’s Response
During the initial court proceedings, the MK Party questioned the legitimacy of the applicants’ membership and their familiarity with Zuma. The party maintains that the dismissals were justified and in line with its internal policies.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The situation has drawn criticism from political figures. Sihle Lonzi of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) remarked:
“Floyd calls us gangsters, yet in the MKP, Members of Parliament are forced to pay party levies into the personal bank account of Zuma. Where is the MKP organizational account? Where is the TG? This is not a party levy; it’s a protection fee. MK is a criminal enterprise, proper!”
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