Political analyst Prince Mashele has stated that the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is unsustainable and will not survive once its leader, former president Jacob Zuma, is no longer involved.
In a televised discussion, Mashele described the party as a “family rent-collection scheme” controlled by Zuma and his children, rather than a political movement built on policy. He claimed that MK Party members of parliament are required to pay R10,000 each month into a private account managed by the Zuma family.
According to Mashele, the party’s heavy reliance on Zuma’s personality is its greatest weakness. He argued that without Zuma, the party lacks the internal structure and ideology to endure.
The MK Party, which gained significant support in the 2024 elections, has dismissed these claims as an attempt to discredit it. However, analysts suggest the criticism raises valid questions about the party’s long-term stability and financial transparency.
As South Africa looks toward future elections, the internal workings and leadership succession of the MK Party are likely to face increasing scrutiny.