In Picture: Jabulani Khumalo and Jacob Zuma
By Thabo Mosia
Jabulani Khumalo, co-founder of the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, said Advocate Dali Mpofu was involved in a plot to hijack the organisation with former President Jacob Zuma. Khumalo, speaking in an interview, firmly disputed Mpofu’s recent statements about his role in the MK Party’s creation, calling Mpofu’s assertions a “blatant lie” and accusing him of attempting to rewrite the party’s origins.
Khumalo’s allegations come at a time of internal turmoil within South Africa’s political landscape, marked by high-profile defections from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to the MK Party. Mpofu’s shift, along with other prominent former EFF leaders such as Floyd Shivambu, Busi Mkhwebane, and Jimmy Manyi, reflects an intensifying realignment among political factions. These defections, Khumalo argues, are part of a broader scheme orchestrated by Zuma and Mpofu to take control of the MK Party and position it as a dominant force on the left, sidelining individuals like him who were instrumental in its formation.
Khumalo: “Mpofu is Lying About His Role in the MK Party”
Khumalo strongly refuted Mpofu’s claims that he was part of the MK Party’s founding. In a televised interview, Khumalo recounted that Mpofu was not present during the initial formation of the MK Party, which he asserts took place with a small group of founding members. According to Khumalo, Mpofu was introduced to the party after its official launch and only became active within the MK Party after being presented by Zuma.
“I would say blatantly that he’s lying,” Khumalo said. “Mpofu was not part of the formation of the party. He may have been part of discussions with Zuma and others about veterans, but he was not involved in the MK Party’s foundation.”
Khumalo elaborated on his perspective of a “plot” by Mpofu and Zuma to manipulate the party’s direction for personal and political gain. He described a series of confrontations, including instances where he was allegedly threatened at gunpoint, to emphasize the lengths he believes some figures were willing to go to seize control of the MK Party.
The Alleged Plot to Sideline Founding Members
Khumalo’s claims paint a picture of a power struggle within the MK Party, in which he was gradually pushed out of leadership by allies of Zuma and Mpofu. He asserted that Zuma and Mpofu aimed to stack the party’s leadership with loyalists, many of whom had little to no involvement in the MK Party’s early development. Khumalo recounted an incident in which he was allegedly summoned by Zuma to discuss party matters but found himself facing armed threats as part of a coercive effort to relinquish his influence within the organization.
Khumalo argued that this hijacking of the MK Party was part of a broader agenda by Zuma and Mpofu to “install cronies in Parliament and drive out the real founders.” He emphasized that many of the MK Party’s original supporters have since been sidelined, while others remain in the background despite being integral to the party’s rise. According to Khumalo, the takeover was carefully orchestrated to place Zuma’s allies in key positions, allowing them to dictate the party’s direction and secure parliamentary positions.
Zuma Welcomes Mpofu to the MK Party
In contrast to Khumalo’s condemnation, former President Jacob Zuma publicly welcomed Mpofu to the MK Party, lauding his dedication to justice and his commitment to uniting South Africa’s “progressive forces.” In a statement on Thursday, Zuma emphasized Mpofu’s “fearless” record as an activist and a lawyer committed to real change, characterizing him as an ideal fit for the MK Party’s mission.
“On behalf of the millions of members and supporters of uMkhonto weSizwe Party, we welcome Advocate Dali Mpofu to the organisation whose aim is to unite all the progressive forces of revolutionary change,” Zuma stated. “Mpofu has long demonstrated a commitment to justice, humility, and respect.”
Zuma further asserted that Mpofu’s alignment with the MK Party reflects his dedication to unifying South Africa’s political left, citing his role in “underground dialogues and engagements” with other political parties and individuals seeking to consolidate power in South Africa’s increasingly fragmented political scene.
Julius Malema’s Reaction: “A Criminal Syndicate”
EFF leader Julius Malema did not mince words in response to Mpofu’s defection. Malema, who has been vocal about his disapproval of former allies joining Zuma’s MK Party, dismissed the new coalition as a “criminal syndicate.” He expressed disdain for Mpofu’s decision to align with the MK Party, describing it as a betrayal of the EFF’s foundational values.
During a recent address, Malema reaffirmed his stance that the EFF would remain independent and resist any attempts to dissolve or merge with the MK Party under Zuma’s leadership. He recounted previous meetings where Mpofu proposed a unification of South Africa’s opposition parties under Zuma, a suggestion Malema vehemently opposed.
“We will not be blackmailed by those who threaten to leave after the third people’s assembly,” Malema said. “If they want to go, let them leave now. We stand firm in our position against any alliance with those who betray the struggle.”
Tensions Rising as Defections Shake South Africa’s Political Landscape
Mpofu’s move is the latest in a series of high-profile defections from the EFF, marking a significant shift in South Africa’s political dynamics. The defections highlight a growing rift between figures loyal to Malema’s vision and those who see the MK Party as a more viable platform for advancing South Africa’s left-wing agenda. In recent months, the MK Party has attracted several prominent former EFF members, including Floyd Shivambu, Jimmy Manyi, and former Public Protector Busi Mkhwebane, who have all voiced their support for Zuma’s leadership and expressed faith in the MK Party’s potential to drive meaningful change.
Despite his longstanding association with the EFF, Mpofu explained his decision to join the MK Party as the result of deep reflection and a realization that the MK Party offers the best opportunity to pursue “black and progressive unity.” Mpofu stated that he and Zuma had been discussing the MK Party project as early as 2022, even as he continued to serve as EFF chairperson.
Khumalo’s Vision for the MK Party
Despite his grievances, Khumalo insists he has not given up hope for the MK Party. He sees the current leadership structure as deeply flawed, with a concentration of power among individuals more concerned with personal advancement than advancing the party’s mission. Khumalo argues that the party, as it stands, lacks the leadership required to serve the South African people effectively, accusing current leaders of “using MK as a platform for self-enrichment.”
In Khumalo’s view, the MK Party is failing its founding mission to uplift South Africans through meaningful reform, pointing to issues such as water scarcity, economic disparity, and corruption that remain unaddressed. Khumalo believes the MK Party was intended as a vehicle to bring tangible solutions to South Africa’s marginalized communities, a vision he contends has been compromised by the current leadership’s focus on parliamentary positions and personal power.
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