Former South African president Jacob Zuma has once again stirred the political scene by declaring that his party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), will reclaim the African National Congress (ANC) should it lose its dominance in the country’s political sphere.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday, Zuma accused the current ANC leadership of straying from the movement’s founding principles. He pledged that his supporters would unite to “rescue” the party if it suffers a major defeat in the upcoming national elections.
“The African National Congress of today is no longer the ANC of Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, and Chris Hani,” Zuma told a cheering crowd. “When they fall—and they will fall—we, the rightful custodians, will take it back and restore it to its former glory.”
#MK Zuma: We will take the ANC once it loses power. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/cPPCfwc0DT
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) April 27, 2025
Zuma’s remarks come amid growing signs of political fragmentation. For the first time since 1994, the ANC may see its national support dip below 50 percent, potentially ushering in an era of coalition governance. Since its launch late last year, Zuma’s MK party has gained unexpected traction, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng, positioning itself as a radical alternative to the ANC leadership under President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Responding to Zuma’s comments, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri dismissed them as “delusional” and indicative of desperation. She argued that the ANC is not an object that can be taken back, emphasizing that it belongs to the people and will remain strong.
Political analysts view Zuma’s strategy as risky but not unfounded. Dr. Ongama Mtimka, a political analyst, noted that Zuma is appealing to traditional ANC supporters who feel alienated by corruption scandals, economic challenges, and internal divisions. “If the ANC performs poorly, there could be a brutal leadership battle, and Zuma clearly wants to position himself as a kingmaker,” Mtimka said.
Meanwhile, MK Party leaders announced plans to intensify their grassroots efforts, focusing on rural communities and the youth. “We are preparing for governance,” said Sihle Ngubane, Secretary-General of MK. “Whether through alliances or leadership renewal, we will ensure that the ANC is not lost to history.”
Zuma’s pledge to reclaim the ANC suggests that the upcoming election will be about more than just votes—it will be a battle for the soul of the liberation movement.
