Former South African president and MK Party leader Jacob Zuma has declared his party the “only true hope” for completing the liberation of the country’s people. He made the remarks while delivering a lecture at the University of Professional Studies in Accra, Ghana.
The lecture focused on global economics and the role of BRICS, but Zuma also spoke about South Africa’s political future. He outlined the MK Party’s eight-pillar manifesto, which includes plans to reclaim land and mineral resources, rebuild the economy, and strengthen national sovereignty.
Zuma argued that true liberation means not only political freedom but also economic independence. He criticized the current government, describing it as compromised, and positioned the MK Party as the genuine heir to South Africa’s liberation movement.
H.E. President Jacob Zuma was adorned as a Chief of the Ga Mantse Traditional Council in a ceremony led by the High Priest of the Ga State, Nuumo Akwaa Mensah III (Nae Wulomo), in Accra, Ghana. pic.twitter.com/DGA1ScJRGH
— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) August 19, 2025
A significant portion of his address dealt with Africa’s relationship with Western nations. Zuma accused the West of exploiting Africa through unfair trade practices, currency manipulation, and political interference. He described dependency on the West as “a form of slow death” and called for greater African unity and self-reliance.
Zuma emphasized that Africa’s liberation remains unfinished and urged a new generation of leaders, innovators, and citizens to take charge of the continent’s future. He stated that Africa should produce not just workers for foreign companies, but creators and builders of its own systems.
The speech reinforced Zuma’s longstanding critique of Western influence in Africa while outlining his party’s vision for a more sovereign and economically independent South Africa.