Jabulani Khumalo, founder of the MK Party, has officially requested the Electoral Commission (IEC) to nullify Jacob Zuma‘s candidacy as the face and president of the party. This request follows a contentious period marked by internal disputes and allegations of fraud within the party leadership.
Jabulani Khumalo wants the IEC to nullify Jacob Zuma candidacy
According to papers seen by Swisher Post, Khumalo has taken decisive action against Zuma by appealing to the IEC to remove Zuma’s name from the MK Party’s leadership roles.
Khumalo’s request stems from an incident on Tuesday, 23 April 2024, during which he claims a fraudulent letter was circulated within the party—purportedly signed by him—that wrongfully positioned Zuma as the new president of the MK Party.
“During that meeting a fraudulent letter was prepared for transmission to the Electoral Commission announcing that I would no longer be on the list of candidates and that Mr Zuma would be the face and the president of MKP,” Khumalo claimed.
Despite sending a letter to the IEC confirming Zuma as the face of the MK Party, “at no stage did I confirm that Mr Zuma would be the president of the party.”
This move by Zuma was described by Khumalo as a hijacking of the party, executed without adherence to proper procedural conduct as outlined in the party’s constitution.
“Mr Zuma’s conduct has brought MKP into disrepute and he has acted contrary to the terms of the constitution of the party. He has purported to remove me as a party leader without following any procedures,” Khumalo added.
Khumalo argues that Zuma’s actions not only violated the internal governance of the party but also damaged its public reputation.
He alleges that the involvement of Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, in publicly discrediting his name, further fuelled the internal discord within the party.
The official documentation submitted to the Electoral Commission includes evidence intended to support his claims that Zuma’s rise to leadership was marked by deceit and unauthorised actions.
Why was Khumalo expelled from the MK Party?
The backdrop to this legal challenge is Jabulani Khumalo’s own expulsion from the MK Party, which occurred just days before his filing against Zuma.
Khumalo was removed from the party under allegations of unauthorised meetings and financial mismanagement, which he has vehemently denied.
Reports suggest that his expulsion was influenced by a faction within the party that is loyal to Jacob Zuma, whom Khumalo had originally consulted during the party’s formation.
Khumalo’s expulsion has been publicly questioned, with him stating in a recent interview that despite the party’s claims, he continues to see himself as a legitimate member and leader.
He expressed concerns over what he perceives as efforts by external entities aiming to destabilise the party and dilute its leadership.
Khumalo has indicated that these conflicts within the party reflect broader issues of governance and transparency that need to be addressed.
