A former senior member of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has publicly criticized party leader Jacob Zuma, claiming his animosity toward President Cyril Ramaphosa is harming South Africa’s political stability.
McDonald Mathabe, the MK Party’s former National Organizer, told Newzroom Afrika that Zuma’s personal feud with Ramaphosa has become “poisonous” and “childish,” preventing potential cooperation between the MK Party and the ANC after the 2024 elections.
According to Mathabe, the MK Party initially aimed to reform the ANC from outside but was blocked by Zuma’s refusal to negotiate a coalition. Instead, the ANC formed a government of national unity (GNU) with other parties.
[WATCH] "We formed the MK Party to correct the ANC's mistakes… We wanted to work with them (ANC) from the outside, then dissolve the MK Party as time goes on. That is why Jacob Zuma is still fighting for his dual membership." – Former MK Party national organiser McDonald… pic.twitter.com/FFveUhzsQc
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 3, 2025
“The matters are bigger than President Zuma’s personal hatred,” Mathabe said. “We must put the country and its people first.”
The MK Party had demanded Ramaphosa’s resignation as a condition for joining an ANC coalition—a demand the ANC rejected. This stance left the party excluded from national and KwaZulu-Natal provincial governments, despite winning the most votes in the province.
The criticism comes amid growing turmoil within the MK Party. Recent months have seen high-profile departures, including former Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu, and reports of infighting among its parliamentary leaders. Some regional coordinators have also resigned, with a few joining Shivambu’s “Mayibuye” political initiative.
The public rift highlights deepening divisions within the party, raising questions about its future direction as internal conflicts overshadow its early electoral success.
