The battle over the soul of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party continues to erupt publicly as senior figures aligned with former President Jacob Zuma dismissed attempts to claim ownership of the movement through a company registration as a dangerous “myth” and “desperate” hijacking.
The core dispute centres on Jabulani Khumalo’s registration of a Non-Profit Company (NPC) named “uMkhonto weSizwe Party” with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Khumalo, recently expelled from the MK Party, appears to be leveraging this registration to assert control.
MK Party leader slams move
David Skosana, member of parliament and prominent MK Party figure, this week launched a scathing rebuttal. He argued that political legitimacy stems from people and action, not administrative paperwork. And he declared that the MK Party is fundamentally “a political movement… birthed in the realm of ideas, collective vision, and public mobilisation, not in the registry of the [CIPC].”
Skosana left no room for ambiguity regarding the party’s origins and leadership, stating bluntly: “The truth is simple and irrefutable: the MK Party is the brainchild of President Jacob Zuma. It was his political courage, foresight and unshakeable commitment to radical economic transformation that gave this party life. His leadership, not Khumalo’s paperwork, gave the MK Party its ideological backbone and national appeal.”
He emphasised that the party’s legitimacy flows from its electoral recognition and public support, not corporate registration.
“It is recognised by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Not because of any company registration, but because it met the legal requirements that matter. A founding constitution, political leadership, and a public constituency.”
Legally irrelevant, morally bankrupt
Dismissing Khumalo’s actions as legally irrelevant and morally bankrupt, Skosana characterised it as “a desperate attempt to rewrite history”, noting Khumalo’s expulsion.
He accused Khumalo of “seeking to resuscitate his relevance by hijacking the name of a movement he no longer belongs to”. And he added: “But this effort will fail, because you cannot steal what you did not build.”
Skosana elevated the dispute beyond mere legal technicalities to a fundamental principle.
“This is not just a legal issue; it is a matter of principle. No administrative gimmick can override the political legitimacy conferred by the people,” he sad.
He dismissed the NPC registration outright.
“Registering an NPC is not an act of leadership. It is not a substitute for struggle, sacrifice or electoral success.”
Threat of legal action
Zuma’s backers signalled readiness for a legal fight. They threatened to object to the NPC name under company law and “warned the public against this blatant impersonation”.
However, Skosana asserted that their strongest weapon is the truth.
“This movement belongs to the people, under the visionary leadership of President Zuma. It was never for sale. And certainly never available to be rebranded by those who walked away from the mission.”
Skosana declared: “The uMkhonto weSizwe Party is not a certificate. It is a commitment. It is a future. And it will not be derailed by opportunists with short memories and even shorter political shelf lives.”
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