Former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has raised concerns about the presence of Jabulani Khumalo at the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) results operation centre.
This follows Khumalo’s claims that he never surrendered his power to Zuma in a letter to the IEC, alleging that his signature was forged.
Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the MK Party spokesperson, said the organisation has written to the IEC to contest Khumalo’s presence at the ROC.
The organisations said that if the IEC failed to provide an answer by the close of business on Monday, it would weigh its options, including taking legal action.
“Despite clear judicial and organisational resolutions confirming Mr Khumalo’s expulsion from the party and resignation from its leadership, the IEC confirmed his presence at the ROC,” Ndhlela said.
“This contradicts these well-established facts and raises significant questions about the adherence to protocol and the objective of the IEC in this matter.”
Close ties with IEC officials
Concerns regarding Khumalo’s purported close relationship with IEC senior officials have also been voiced by the MKP, which asserts that recent events — such as his admission into the ROC — seem to support these claims.
Despite the MKP’s worries that the IEC might be subject to outside influence, Ndhlela stated that it was crucial to uphold fairness and independence during the voting process because any apparent favouritism could betray public confidence.
“It is a known fact to all South Africans, including the IEC, that the MK Party stands united and strong behind its leader, president Zuma, and it is overly confident that president Zuma will be at the Union Buildings post-May 2029 elections.
“We call upon all South Africans to remain vigilant and to hold all institutions accountable, ensuring that our democracy remains robust and unblemished by undue influence.
“But most importantly, to guard against plans by the ANC of Cyril Ramaphosa to rig elections, as evidence is beginning to show.”
The Constitutional Court recently ruled that Zuma cannot contest the elections due to his conviction and arrest in 2021.
