Zuma Breaks Silence on MK Party Infighting: ‘We Are Not Playing’

Former President Jacob Zuma has issued a stern warning to factions within the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), saying the organisation will not tolerate internal power struggles or individuals prioritising personal gain over the party’s mission.

Addressing thousands of supporters at the launch of the MKP Youth Branch in Claremont, west of Durban, Zuma tackled growing concern over leadership instability in the fledgling party. Since its official launch in December 2023, the MKP has seen at least seven different individuals serve as secretary-general, sparking questions about its internal governance and long-term stability.

Despite the turbulence,  the former president made it clear that no position within the party is permanent and that party discipline would remain non-negotiable.

“We are not playing, even if you deem yourself to be powerful, well-liked, or you are everything. No one would occupy a position until they go to heaven. There is no such thing,” said Zuma.

Zuma acknowledged internal resistance following the removal of several high-ranking leaders, including the most recent secretary-general. He confirmed that some disgruntled members had even threatened to protest over the changes — a move he says proves the party’s foundational values are still being contested.

“Some want to protest the move. This means we have not begun to build the party we want,” he remarked. “You entertain such things by not only talking about this but writing about it. We want freedom, and we are not protecting anyone.”

Though he did not name those dismissed, he rather hinted that serious misconduct had occurred.

“There were wrong things they were getting up to, but we did not want to embarrass and humiliate them publicly. We never wanted to tell the nation because they know they had done some wrongs.”  “Start Your Party” — Zuma Tells Dissenters

Taking a hard line against internal opposition, Zuma encouraged dissatisfied members to leave and form their own parties if they no longer aligned with MKP values.

“If those people want to start their party, they should go ahead,” Zuma said. “We are not going to be apologetic and bow down to individuals in this party.”

The comments are widely seen as an effort to consolidate power and reaffirm his authority as the MKP seeks to position itself as a serious political force ahead of upcoming elections.

Corruption Warning: “This Is Not About Money” – Zuma also issued a warning to opportunists viewing MKP as a vehicle for personal enrichment.

“Let us not take this organisation as one in which we want to make money. It’s an organisation to liberate South Africans. That is why if we have one of us goes astray, we don’t tolerate them,” he said.

This anti-corruption stance is central to the MKP’s narrative, which casts the party as a morally upright alternative to the ruling ANC, particularly among Zuma’s support base.

During the event, MKP also unveiled its national youth leadership structure, appointing Qiniso Cibane — a former regional convener in eThekwini — as head of the party’s youth wing.

He praised the role of young people in shaping South Africa’s future and called on them to lead with integrity and purpose.

“I have confidence in the youth of this country,” Zuma said. “We need leaders who will stand firm and understand that this is not about power — it is about service.”

A Party in Turmoil  Or Transformation?

While critics point to the frequent turnover in leadership as a sign of internal chaos, Zuma has framed the shake-ups as part of a necessary cleansing process, eliminating those who do not share the party’s vision.

As the MK Party works to expand its national footprint, how it handles internal dissent and public scrutiny will be crucial to its credibility and longevity.

Whether MKP becomes a lasting player in South Africa’s political landscape or fades into obscurity may well depend on how firmly it can balance unity, discipline, and reform.

“The people are watching,” Zuma warned.