{
  "id": 11754311,
  "title": "MK Party supporters disappointed as Zuma skips uMhlathuze rally",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/mk-party-supporters-disappointed-as-zuma-skips-umhlathuze-rally",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T19:37:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/mk-party-supporters-disappointed-as-zuma-skips-umhlathuze-rally/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Supporters of the MK Party in uMhlathuze are disappointed after party leader Jacob Zuma failed to attend a rally scheduled for Saturday. Promotional posters featured Zuma's image, but he did not make an appearance at the event. During the rally, organizers were interrupted by supporters repeatedly asking, \"Ukuphi uZuma?\" (Where is Zuma?). Tensions rose among the crowd, with some visibly angry while others voiced their frustration. MK Party KZN leader Willie Mchunu apologized to the supporters on Zuma's behalf and attempted to calm the situation, stating that Zuma's absence was due to reasons beyond his control. Mchunu explained that he had contacted Zuma's office to understand the situation, and the provisional leadership decided that Zuma would not always be able to attend all party activities. The MK Party is currently campaigning to take control of uMhlathuze Municipality in the upcoming local government elections. Party Secretary General Sibonelo Nomvalo urged locals to vote in large numbers on the 4th of November, warning that those currently leading the party have forgotten about the voters and their needs.",
  "summary": "Mchunu later apologized to supporters on Zuma's behalf.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}