The 10 expelled members of the MK Party on Thursday said they were still members of the party despite their expulsion and stripping of their parliamentary seats.
The group, some of whom were axed and others reportedly resigned, approached the Western Cape High Court this week to interdict the swearing-in of the new members.
Addressing the media on Thursday, the group’s spokesperson, Thamsanqa Khuzwayo, said they called the press briefing to air their side of the story.
“We are not here to fight anyone. We are not here to speak ill of anyone, but what we are here to do is to fight for our justice,” Khuzwayo said.
“We affirm that we remain members in good standing of MK Party and we hold deep respect for president Jacob Zuma and his vision for a just and better South Africa,” Khuzwayo said.
He said none of them have received any official expulsion letters and that they had not signed resignation letters.
“If such documents exist, we believe they may have been forged.”
Khuzwayo claimed that there was no direct communication about their expulsion.
“This process is not only irregular, but raises serious concerns about transparency and fairness,” he said.
The communication from Parliament stated that their membership as MPs was terminated due to loss of party membership.
“We firmly believe this constitutes fraud and serious violation of legal and procedural stance.”
Khuzwayo also said they had actively reached out to the party’s leadership and had been in constant communication with senior party leaders to express their grievances.
“Despite these efforts, we have been compelled to seek judicial intervention to address this matter.”
He said the termination of their membership to Parliament came at a huge cost for them.
“We have made significant personal sacrifices including resigning from permanent employment based on expectation of a full five-year term in Parliament.
“The termination of our positions undermines our livelihoods and responsibilities as parents, household heads and breadwinners.”
Khuzwayo accused a clique of “certain individuals” and their friends of manipulating the party for their personal gain.
“They are acting without proper consultation with the president or broader party leadership. This has fostered an environment of fear and intimidation within the party where dissent is met with expulsion.”
He urged the MK Party leadership to take decisive action to address the issues and warned that the integrity and future of the organisation was at risk.
Khuzwayo stated that when they joined the MK Party, they did so voluntarily and did not expect anything in return “because you believe in the vision of the party”.
He dispelled suggestions over who funded their legal fees, but said they were at the mercy of the lawyers who realise there was an injustice being done.
“We gave them the little we have with the hope that we will win the case and give what is due to them.”
He vowed that they would not sit back and fold their arms.
“We are to fight fire with fire, fight the right to our dignity and rights to dignity is achieved,” he said.
MK Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela did not respond to a request for comment.
The party’s parliamentary leader, John Hlophe, told a media briefing that they would not comment on a matter that was before the court.
“That matter is sub judice. As a matter of law, we do not comment on cases that are pending before court,” Hlophe said.
He also said the axed members have every right to approach court.
“At the end of the day, it is the judge sitting in his or her chambers who will decide the case on September 3. We are glad the hearing date has been expedited and the matter will be finalised very soon,” Hlophe added.
Cape Times