A powerful coalition of traditional leaders representing royal houses across four provinces has severed ties with former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, accusing it of repeatedly disrespecting amakhosi and using them as “political pawns.”
The Transvaal Kingdom State – comprising monarchs from Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo, and North West – announced the decision after what they describe as the final insult: dozens of traditional leaders were turned away from Zuma’s Nkandla homestead last Sunday despite confirmed arrangements.
“We traveled long distances only to be met by police who said Zuma was unavailable,” their statement revealed. This follows previous grievances about being relegated to plastic chairs at MK’s major events while junior party members occupied VIP seats.
Breaking Point
The coalition, which includes prominent figures like King Ndzundza II and King Lekhuleni, cites a pattern of humiliation:
Last-minute cancellations of scheduled meetings
Poor seating arrangements at MK’s Orlando and Moses Mabhida stadium events
Alleged exploitation of traditional authority for political gain
Election Warning
With 2026 local elections approaching, the monarchs issued a stark warning: “Our communities are watching. This treatment foreshadows what we can expect under MK governance.” They argue the party seeks traditional legitimacy while undermining its custodians.
Political Fallout
The rift threatens MK’s rural support base as traditional leaders plan to:
Hold a September 1 press conference to announce alternative political alliances
Mobilize their constituencies against MK in upcoming elections
Protect what they call “the dignity of our forefathers’ thrones”
Political analysts suggest this could significantly impact MK’s performance in traditional strongholds, where royal endorsement carries substantial weight. The party has yet to respond to the allegations.
This development marks a significant challenge for Zuma’s party as it attempts to position itself as a champion of traditional values while facing growing accusations of disregarding the very institutions it claims to respect.