Former Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) national organiser, McDonald Mathabe, has dismissed claims made by Advocate Dali Mpofu regarding his involvement in the establishment of the MK Party.
This comes after Mpofu in an exclusive interview with the SABC, disclosed that the plan had been in development for over a year, stating: “Absolutely, for a few months, there was a time where it was just me and former president Zuma who knew about this.”
IOL reported that Mpofu has joined the MK Party.
In an Interview on Newzroom Afrika, Mathebe categorically rejected Mpofu's assertions, calling them "lies" and refuting the narrative surrounding his role in the party’s formation.
According to Mathabe, former president Jacob Zuma never intended for Dali Mpofu to be a part of the MK Party.
"Zuma never wanted Mpofu to be part and parcel of the formation of MK party," Mathabe stated.
He explained that, although Zuma was initially hesitant, he eventually agreed to include Mpofu to assist with the administrative aspects of the party, particularly since Mpofu was already involved in legal matters concerning Zuma across the country.
Mathabe also recounted his personal involvement in advocating for Mpofu's inclusion.
"I spoke to Zuma, saying the battle ahead was beyond both of us. The African National Congress (ANC) would likely come after us for using a name so closely associated with the ANC, and we needed someone like Mpofu to help with the documentation and the processes," Mathabe said.
However, Mathebe said he made it clear that Mpofu was unaware of the party’s formation until August 2023, when Mathebe introduced him to the process.
"Mpofu did not know about the MKP. In our meeting with him, Ace, Magashule and Kakane, he was shocked that Zuma did not inform him sooner," Mathebe explained.
This timeline directly contradicts Mpofu’s statements suggesting that he had been involved in discussions long before August 2023.
Mathabe’s account emphasises that the MKP’s formation was not a sudden development but rather the result of a series of meetings with tribal leaders and church representatives, who urged Zuma to join the effort.
"It took months to convince Zuma to join the process," Mathabe explained, stressing that these external stakeholders played a crucial role in persuading Zuma, who had previously expressed his desire to remain within the ANC.
Despite the differing accounts, Mathebe remained firm in his belief that the MKP’s purpose was to provide an alternative to the ANC, which he claimed had "detached itself from the masses."
The party, he said, was created to reconnect with the people and eventually re-engage with the ANC once it had been revitalised.
Mathebe further clarified that, although Zuma was initially reluctant, his eventual participation was necessary for the party to gain legitimacy and support.
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