Zuma’s expulsion spree could cost MK Party at upcoming polls

Former president Jacob Zuma's practice of expelling members undemocratically could potentially harm the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party in the upcoming local government elections, according to political experts. Unisa political scientist Prof Dirk Kotzé believes that Zuma targeted Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala and Pumlani Kubukeli for expulsion, suspecting them of posing a threat due to their senior positions within the party.

Both members intend to challenge their expulsion legally, alleging that Zuma removed them without proper justification. Zuma claimed they brought the party into disrepute but did not provide further details. He also instructed parliament to remove the duo from their parliamentary positions. Political analyst Prof Ntsikelelo Breakfast from Nelson Mandela University states that Zuma, being insecure, tends to remove those he perceives as threats.

"He does not trust the people around him, even his own children are targets. He is scared they might rise up and take over from him as he gets older," she said, adding that Zuma's historical pattern of implementing frequent Cabinet reshuffles and establishing numerous ministerial positions is a reflection of his desire to consolidate power.

Breakfast also highlighted that MK party members who disagree with Zuma are often dismissed, which she deemed unfortunate, as it is inconsistent with democratic principles that the party claims to uphold. Ralph Mathekga, another analyst, emphasized that the party's internal dispute resolution mechanisms are lacking due to its relatively recent formation, leading to unpredictability and instability.

He attributed this issue to the party's reliance on Zuma's leadership, stating that people join and leave the party at the whim of one individual. Mathekga warned that this situation could leave senior MK members unsettled and uncertain about the future. For the party to gain the trust of voters, Breakfast suggested it must democratise itself by holding a conference and electing proper structures to make decisions collectively rather than relying on the whims of a single person.