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Zuma calls on half-full stadium of MK party supporters to build black unity and ‘take back what’s ours’ in 2029

Zuma calls on half-full stadium of MK party supporters to build black unity and ‘take back what’s ours’ in 2029
General view at the Umkhonto WeSizwe Party (MKP) first anniversary rally At Moses Mabhida Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Durban, South Africa. The MKP became the biggest party in KwaZulu-Natal and the third biggest party in the country after the national government elections held on May 29. (Photo: Gallo Images / Elias Mbuwane)
Nonkululeko Njilo
By Nonkululeko Njilo
15 Dec 2024
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The MK party failed to fill up Moses Mabhida Stadium for the celebration of its first anniversary, but former president Jacob Zuma was confident the party could resolve its challenges and win a two-thirds majority in 2029.

With just over four years until South Africa’s next national election, former president Jacob Zuma says it is crucial for black people to come together to discuss forming a united political front. He says that without unity, the 2029 election could be a missed opportunity to win a two-thirds majority to amend the Constitution and enact crucial reforms. 

The party was launched just five months before the 29 May 2024 elections, without any clear policies, branches or leadership structure, but was able to win more than 4 million votes.

On Sunday, 15 December 2024, Zuma addressed thousands of his supporters who gathered at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to celebrate the party’s first anniversary.    

As early as 6am, MK supporters began arriving at the 58,000-seat stadium, which hosted various political parties during the 2024 election campaign. Some, like the IFP, have successfully filled the venue, while others, such as the EFF, fell short.

The uMkhonto Wesizwe party’s first anniversary rally at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 15 December 2024 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo: Gallo Images / Elias Mbuwane)



Despite predictions from MK leadership earlier in the week that the stadium would be packed, the turnout did not meet expectations. While the event drew supporters from several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, where the party is strongest, Mpumalanga, where it is the official opposition, and Gauteng, where it aims to be part of a provincial unity government, the stadium was not filled to capacity.

The festivities were scheduled to begin at 8am, but Zuma only made his way to the stadium at 2.30pm. Some supporters had left due to the delays and scorching heat. By the time Zuma took to the podium, the stadium was only half-full.  

“There are four years left before we vote again and take back what is ours, and to fix our country … Are you with me? Stop acting like it will take 10 years. We need to work now, so we can be back in power.

“Let us work together with those in the smaller parties and agree to take our power back. Let's stop hating and swearing at each other. We need to work hard now,” Zuma said to a loud applause.   

Read more: The MK party’s year of living dangerously – from a dramatic political debut to internal turmoil

The uMkhonto Wesizwe party's first anniversary rally at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 15 December 2024 in Durban, South Africa. The party became the biggest party in KwaZulu-Natal and the third-biggest party in the country after the national elections held on May 29. (Photo: Gallo Images / Elias Mbuwane)



The uMkhonto Wesizwe party’s first anniversary rally at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 15 December 2024 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo: Gallo Images / Elias Mbuwane)



Empty seats at the uMkhonto Wesizwe party’s first anniversary rally at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 15 December 2024 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo: Gallo Images / Elias Mbuwane)



Reflecting on the MK party’s first anniversary, Zuma said: “In the short period of one year, we have moved our people closer to the centuries-long goal of total liberation.  

“Today, we not only mark a calendar milestone. Importantly, we also celebrate a year of bold decisions as we continue our journey towards a truly liberated South Africa.”

The MK party’s year of existence has not been smooth sailing. The party has been marred by internal turmoil, jostling for positions and building of parallel structures, which Zuma believes is natural for a young, growing party. 

“No movement is immune to internal challenges, and the uMkhonto Wesizwe party is no exception. As a young and dynamic organisation, we have faced the growing pains that accompany rapid expansion and the pursuit of revolutionary change,” said Zuma.

Speaking about the party’s challenges, Zuma made reference to the Government of National Unity (GNU), which he dubbed an “unholy alliance” and a betrayal of the Struggle for liberation.  

Read more: MK supporters feel let down as problems persist and party’s May poll momentum stalls

Zanele Sholwana of Vosloorus, Gauteng, was among the excited attendees: “I am here to support my president. I stand with Zuma in everything that he does.” 

Mudau Mulamuleli from Collins Chabane in Limpopo said: “Our presence here is to demonstrate to the people of South Africa that MKP is a party that belongs to all the people; it is the only party that can take this country forward and advocate for the economic emancipation of our people.”

Njabulo Mthembu of Umlazi, Durban, also sang Zuma’s praises: “I can confidently say that MKP is the hope for the black child. If you could look at how things were during his era, you will realise that he did everything in his power to make life better for us, ordinary people.   

“If Zuma could do it then, there is no reason to think he will fail this time around because things are bad.”

Another Umlazi resident, Nomkhosi Mbanjwa, said he was not oblivious to Zuma’s transgressions, but Zuma was still the right person to lead the country.

“I believe that no one is perfect, even Ramaphosa is not. Zuma has a lot of wisdom that can help the people of this country.”

Read more: ANC’s dilemma: Leadership crisis deepens as MK party threatens KZN coalition stability

Since the party's formation in 2023, Zuma has consistently attacked the current government and the ANC under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership. His criticism is largely driven by personal issues, such as his legal troubles and removal from office, which he blames on a plot led by Ramaphosa.

Sunday was no different, and his supporters cheered on.   

Despite getting 17% of the national vote and 45% in KwaZulu-Natal, the party believes it performed better and was robbed of a two-thirds majority during the general elections. 

Zuma repeated the remarks on Sunday, further calling for changes to the vote-counting system.

“They robbed us of our votes. In future, we must also be there as the community when they are counting our votes so we know exactly what has happened. There must be public counting. We need that.”  

Zuma also reiterated the need to change the country’s legal system, fight for the return of the land, tackle crime and give power to traditional leaders. DM

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