By Ezrah Kashumbusha.
JOHANNESBURG, March 20. 2024| The African National Congress (ANC) and the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party find themselves embroiled in a legal battle over the registration of the MK party with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The ruling party in South Africa is seeking to overturn the registration of the MK party, citing trademark infringement and copyright violations.
The ANC alleges that former president Jacob Zuma, a key figure in the MK party, appropriated their trademark and engaged in copyright infringement. Additionally, the ANC insists that the MK party cease using the name Umkhonto We Sizwe, the former military wing of the ANC that was disbanded in 1993.
The outcome of this legal dispute will have significant implications for the MK party’s participation in the upcoming general elections scheduled for May 29. Should the court rule in favor of the ANC, it could prevent the MK party from campaigning and appearing on the ballot.
The response from the MK party to the legal action has stirred concern among South Africans, particularly from party officials in KwaZulu-Natal suggesting that the country could descend into civil war if the MK party is barred from participating in the elections. He emphasized the party’s determination to disrupt the electoral process if their participation is hindered.
Former president Jacob Zuma, who faces corruption charges and was ousted from the presidency in 2018, is a prominent figure in the MK party. His return to elective politics through the MK party has raised tensions within the political landscape, particularly given his vocal criticism of current ANC leader President Cyril Ramaphosa.
