Expelled founder of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party) Jabulani Khumalo’s attempt to attend the party’s members of parliament swearing-in ceremony was rejected on Tuesday.
MK Party members were sworn in after boycotting the first sitting of the National Assembly of the seventh administration on Friday.
Khumalo was allegedly trying to sneak his name into the list of MK Party members to be sworn-in.
However, his attempt was met with a cold rejection from parliament.
Rejection from parliament
In a letter from parliament, that the house’s secretary, Masibulele Xaso signed, Khumalo was blocked from attending the swearing-in ceremony due to the absence of his name from members expected to attend.
“Your name does not appear on our membership list. And as such, no arrangements will be made for you to travel to Cape Town for swearing-in as a member of the National Assembly. Access to the parliamentary precinct will also not be granted,” read the letter.
Xaso added that any issues should be raised with the MK Party deputy secretary general, Sihle Ngubane. He serves as the party’s designated signatory. The said issues are those related to his parliamentary attendance for the swearing-in ceremony.
This was not Khumalo’s first attempt to show his face as an MK Party member at the National Assembly. He also wanted to attend the first sitting.
Long-running legal battle with Zuma
The disgruntled Khumalo has been in a long-running legal battle with former president and now MK Party leader, Jacob Zuma. He maintains that he was illegally removed from the party.
Khumalo accused Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla of forging his signature. This in a resignation letter to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Zuma-Sambudla is now an MK Party member of parliament.
The letter was allegedly responding to the IEC demand that a face appearing on the ballot paper should be that of a party leader.
Khumalo has been fighting for recognition as the MK Party founder, after officially registering the party.
His recent urgent application at the Western Cape High Court, was dismissed due to a lack of urgency. The urgent application was heard a day before the inaugural session of the National Assembly.
