Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has once again taken aim at former president Jacob Zuma, this time dismissing the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party as nothing more than a “family stokvel” created to serve Zuma’s personal and family interests.
Malema made the remarks during a media briefing on Thursday, where he sharply criticised the MK Party’s internal structures and political intentions. According to the EFF leader, the party lacks democratic processes and exists primarily to shield Zuma and his allies from accountability while consolidating power within his inner circle.
“MK is not a political organisation built to liberate black people or advance the struggles of the working class,” Malema said. “It is a stokvel, a family affair where positions and resources are shared among those close to Zuma. The people of South Africa should not be misled into thinking this is a revolutionary movement.”
The MK Party, formed in late 2023 and inspired by the name of the ANC’s former armed wing, has positioned itself as a formidable force ahead of the 2024 elections, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal where it enjoyed a strong voter base. However, Malema argued that its rapid rise was driven by populism rather than sound political ideology, warning that South Africans must scrutinise its true agenda.
“Political parties are not meant to protect individuals from prosecution or to advance the interests of a few family members. They are meant to fight for the people. Zuma has turned the MK Party into a personal project,” Malema added.
His comments come amid growing tensions between Zuma and the ANC leadership, with the MK Party continuing to challenge the ruling party’s dominance in key provinces. Analysts suggest Malema’s statements may also be part of the EFF’s broader strategy to position itself as the authentic voice of the opposition, particularly among voters disillusioned with both the ANC and Zuma’s new political venture.
Despite Malema’s scathing attack, the MK Party has dismissed such criticism in the past, insisting that it represents the genuine aspirations of ordinary South Africans who feel betrayed by the ANC. Party spokespersons have maintained that Zuma remains a respected leader whose influence is rooted in decades of struggle.
As political tensions mount, Malema’s latest remarks are likely to intensify debates around Zuma’s legacy and the real motives behind the MK Party, wi
