By Lungani Zungu and Mashudu Sadike
A LEAKED voice note of Jacob Zuma detailing how he rejected an alleged offer from the ANC to join the Government of National Unity (GNU) has ignited fresh tensions between the ruling party and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) — and may serve to bolster MKP’s image as a stand alone political force.
This is according to a Durban-based political analyst, Thabani Zikalala, who believed the recording would benefit the MKP and portray it as a principled party unwilling to compromise for power.
“The voice note challenges the perception that the MKP is desperate to be part of government. It portrays them as standing firm on their values,” Zikalala said.
The 15-minute clip, revealed this week by the Daily News, featured Zuma addressing the MKP’s top brass leadership, in Durban.
In the recording, the former president claimed the ANC proposed plans to oust the DA from the GNU, but only if MKP agreed to join the alliance.
Zikalala said the ANC was facing both a credibility issue and an internal identity crisis, which the MKP exploited.
“The ANC is in an existential crisis regarding its policy direction and relevance. Zuma and MKP are working to deepen that crisis by positioning themselves as the authentic voice of the people,” he said.
Zikalala said the MKP was using the controversy to chip away at the ANC’s legitimacy, particularly among the black majority electorate both parties aim to represent.
“They’re battling over who has the moral authority to speak for the previously disadvantaged,” he explained. “Zuma’s message is clear: MKP is no longer aligned with the ANC and won't be used as a pawn in their political strategies.”
The ANC, however, has firmly denied Zuma’s claims.
“No such discussions have taken place,” said ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bengu-Motsiri. “The ANC has not approached Mr Zuma or the MKP to join the GNU. All engagements have been transparent, in good faith, and line with the Constitution.”
Despite the denial, the MKP has not commented publicly on the matter.
Attempts to reach MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela were unsuccessful.
The MKP's lack of response has also sparked speculation about the party's intentions and its relationship with the ANC.
Within ANC ranks, some believe MKP was trying to sow discord in the GNU, and capitalise on the already fraught relationship between the ANC and the DA.
Tensions between the two parties have escalated after the DA opposed the 0,5% Value Added Tax (VAT) increase that was proposed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. The VAT matter is currently at the Western Cape High Court widening cracks between the two parties.
The ANC has categorically denied the claims, saying it has not approached Zuma or the MKP to join the GNU.
Bengu-Motsiri was categoric that they had not approached Zuma or the MKP about joining, in a statement the party released.
"At no point has the ANC engaged in or contemplated any clandestine strategy to marginalise any party that is a constituent of the GNU.
"In the current climate, the ANC calls for political maturity, responsible leadership, and a commitment to the values of honesty and accountability," the ANC said in the statement.
DAILY NEWS
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