By Ezrah Kashumbusha.
JOHANNESBURG, March 27, 2024 | South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) party has faced a setback in its attempt to de register the Umkhonto WeSizwe party, backed by former President Jacob Zuma, as the court ruled against the ANC’s petition.
The court in Johannesburg rejected the ANC’s argument that the MK party’s symbol and name bore similarities to those of the ANC, potentially confusing voters in the upcoming elections.
Judge Lebogang Modiba stated, “We find there is nothing unlawful about the registration of the MK party by the Chief Electoral Officer.” The judge highlighted that the ANC should have raised objections to the MK party’s registration within the stipulated period last year, as the delay in bringing the application was unjustified.
Despite ANC’s decades-long dominance in South African politics, the party failed to provide a reasonable explanation for its delay in challenging the registration of the MK party, according to Judge Lebohang.
Former President Jacob Zuma, who faced corruption allegations and was forced out of office in 2018, is actively campaigning for the MK party in a bid to stage a political comeback and challenge his former party, the ANC, in the upcoming general elections on May 29.
Zuma’s attempt to register a political party in June 2023 faced rejection from the Electoral Commission of South Africa due to discrepancies in signatures. However, the MK party successfully submitted its application and was officially registered in September 2023.
The ANC’s contestation of the MK party’s registration, citing similarities in symbols and names, was dismissed by the court, signaling a significant development in South Africa’s political landscape as parties gear up for the upcoming elections.
