Thabo Mbeki Links MK Party's Rise to Apartheid-Era System in South Africa

Mbeki's Allegations at Veterans' Conference

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has claimed that the unexpected rise in support for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is a consequence of an apartheid-era system specifically engineered to destabilize the African National Congress (ANC). Mbeki articulated these views at the inaugural conference of the uMkhonto weSizwe Liberation War Veterans.

He highlighted the MK Party's substantial gains in the 2024 general elections, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), and to a lesser extent in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, questioning the sudden nature of this support. Mbeki suggested that this phenomenon is linked to the 'national security management system' implemented by the apartheid regime, which he asserted infiltrated society with agents.

Historical Context of Alleged Undermining

Mbeki drew parallels between the MK Party's current success and historical instances of alleged manipulation. He claimed that the same forces were at play during the pre-1994 violence involving the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and that they later interfered in the ANC's 2007 elective conference, which led to the election of Jacob Zuma as president. Furthermore, Mbeki insinuated a connection between these 'counter-revolutionary' forces and the July 2021 unrest, suggesting it was an attempt to 'test its strength' and destabilize the country.

Historically, the apartheid regime employed various strategies to weaken the ANC and its allies, including repression, attempts to divide the oppressed, and the use of violence to derail the liberation struggle. The ANC, in turn, adopted strategies such as armed struggle to counter these efforts.

The Rise of the MK Party and its Electoral Impact

The MK Party, founded in December 2023 and officially registered in September 2023 by Jabulani Khumalo, gained significant prominence when former President Jacob Zuma announced his support for it, declaring he would not campaign for the ANC in the 2024 elections. The party is named after the historical paramilitary wing of the ANC, a choice that has led to legal challenges from the ANC itself over the use of the name and logo.

In the 2024 general elections, the MK Party achieved remarkable results, securing 14.58% of the national vote, translating to 58 seats in the National Assembly, making it the third-largest political party in South Africa. In KwaZulu-Natal, it emerged as the largest party, capturing 45.35% of the votes and 37 seats, significantly impacting the ANC's long-standing dominance in the province. This performance has been widely regarded as the most successful debut for a new party in South Africa's democratic history.

MK Party's Response and Political Landscape

The MK Party has vehemently rejected Mbeki's assertions, with spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela describing them as 'politically reckless' and lacking substantive evidence. The party accused Mbeki of attempting to deflect attention from the ANC's declining support and of insinuating that MK Party members are former apartheid intelligence operatives.

The 2024 elections marked a pivotal moment in South African politics, as the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994, securing 40.18% of the national vote. This outcome has necessitated discussions around coalition governments and has fundamentally reshaped the country's political landscape, with the MK Party emerging as a significant new force.