Former MK Party Members Seek Court Order to Freeze Party Funds Amid Compensation Dispute

• Former MK Party members have petitioned the High Court to freeze party funds, claiming unfair expulsion and seeking compensation.
• Allegations have surfaced that MK Party MPs were pressured to donate part of their salaries to Zuma, raising questions about financial transparency.
• The case is fueling debate on political loyalty, accountability, and the ethics of party financial management in South Africa.

In a developing legal and political clash, former MK Party members have petitioned the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg to freeze the party’s bank accounts as part of a compensation claim they plan to pursue. This follows their recent, reportedly unexpected, expulsion from both the MK Party and the National Assembly. The claimants argue that, after years of dedication to the party, they are entitled to financial compensation for their loyalty and contributions.

Central to the controversy are allegations that MK Party representatives in parliament were urged to contribute R10,000 from their parliamentary salaries to former President Jacob Zuma’s personal bank account. According to the former members, these payments were presented as a show of loyalty meant to support party operations, with assurances that the funds would be used to further the MK Party’s goals under its interim constitution. However, this practice has sparked criticism and raised questions about the legitimacy of such financial contributions.

The situation escalated when an EFF member publicly commented on the alleged financial practices within the MK Party, suggesting that Zuma has effectively turned the party into a “family stokvel,” where members’ contributions benefit him personally. This comment, though unverified, has fueled scrutiny of the MK Party’s financial transparency and raised concerns over its operational priorities under Zuma’s leadership.

As the court deliberates on the request to freeze the party’s funds, the case has sparked broader discussions on the ethics of financial management and loyalty in South Africa’s political landscape, especially among parties led by veteran politicians. The outcome of the legal proceedings could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the MK Party but for the country’s political environment, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability within party finances.