Latest news with #MK
IOL News
6 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
The Hypocrisy of Jacob Zuma: A Betrayal of Sahrawi Solidarity
A demonstration in support of the March for Freedom, which aimed to raise awareness of the Sahrawi cause and that of political prisoners held in Toulouse, France on April 19, 2025. Image: AFP Carl Niehaus As a Member of Parliament for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), I am consumed by a righteous fury that words can scarcely contain. Jacob Zuma's recent reversal on Western Sahara is opportunism and inexplicable hypocrisy of the highest order – a man who, as South Africa's president from 2009 to 2018, upheld Sahrawi solidarity with rhetorical flourish, now suddenly flip-flops to champion Morocco's so-called 'Autonomy Plan' for 'peace and development.' Twisting a dubious story about Morocco's 'historic support' for anti-apartheid exiles into justification for this betrayal, Zuma has sold his soul – and our principles – down the river. Allegations of financial lures, with Morocco's funds reportedly propping up his uMkhonto weSizwe party (MK party), swirl like a dark, toxic cloud, painting this flip-flop as crass opportunism at its ugliest. By displaying our national flag during his July 16, 2025, meeting in Rabat, Zuma falsely creates the impression that he speaks for all South Africans, undermining our sovereignty and the progressive foreign policy that has long stood with the oppressed Sahrawi people. This fractures African unity, weakens the African Union (AU), and emboldens oppressors across the continent. It is nothing less than counterrevolutionary betrayal – a stab in the back to the very ideals Zuma once professed to defend. Not in our name, Zuma! Your actions disgrace the liberation struggle and expose you as a fallen icon, prioritising personal gain over Pan-African solidarity. To appreciate the magnitude of this hypocrisy, let's revisit Zuma's record. During his presidency, Zuma aligned with South Africa's longstanding pro-Sahrawi stance, rooted in the anti-colonial ethos that progressive forces like the EFF champion as a cornerstone of our foreign policy. He hosted Polisario delegations, recognised the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), and condemned Morocco's occupation, viewing it as akin to apartheid's domination. This was no mere rhetoric; it reflected a commitment to self-determination for Africa's last colony. Yet, after having formed the MK party, Zuma's principles evaporated into thin air for the lure of easy money to finance the MK party, which is nothing but a family enterprise for himself and his close family members. Now, as MK party leader, he jets to Rabat on July 15-16, 2025, meets Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and declares his party 'recognises the historical and legal context underpinning Morocco's claim to Western Sahara.' He praises the 'Autonomy Plan' as a path to 'peace, development, and stability,' ignoring its repressive core. This sudden about-face is inexplicable, save for the whispers of self-interest. Zuma justifies this by invoking Morocco's 'historic support' – referencing ANC training camps in Oujda during exile. But as is the case with so many of Zuma's stories, this mostly fake and twisted narrative lacks authenticity: Morocco's aid was selective and overshadowed by its covert alliances with apartheid South Africa, including arms deals. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ To use it now as cover for endorsing colonialism is betrayal incarnate. And the financial allegations? Reports suggest Moroccan incentives have swayed the MK party's stance, turning policy into a transaction. These claims, emerging amid the MK party's internal turmoil, paint Zuma's pivot as crass opportunism – dirhams for doctrine, propping up a fledgling and faltering party at the expense of principles. The flag display is the crowning insult. In Rabat, Zuma unfurled our national colours during the meeting, creating the illusion of official South African endorsement. This falsely claims he speaks for the nation, undermining our sovereignty by misrepresenting our voice on the world stage. It erodes the progressive foreign policy that has positioned South Africa as a champion of decolonisation – recognising SADR, advocating referendums, and isolating occupiers. Zuma's opportunistic stunt fractures African unity, handing Morocco a propaganda win to weaken the AU's anti-colonial resolve and embolden oppressors from Rabat to Tel Aviv. This is counterrevolutionary betrayal: a former freedom fighter aiding imperialism, diluting the ethos of Mandela, Hani, and Sankara for personal vendettas and gain. The 'Autonomy Plan'? A Bantustan redux: nominal local rule under Rabat's boot, echoing apartheid's segregated Homelands – unviable puppets denying true freedom. As the late revolutionary icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela aptly put it in her 2010 speech on Western Sahara, 'We also experienced an attempt at so-called autonomy. Several 'Bantustans', which were ethnically based, totally unviable, 'independent' states, were created on 13% of the most unproductive parts of the country. They were led by puppet dictators. The people rejected these 'countries' outright despite some having been given official recognition by certain Western and African countries.' This led her to suggest that Morocco must have taken lessons from the apartheid regimes. To fully grasp why Zuma's endorsement of this plan is so odious, one must understand the short but brutal history of the oppression of the Sahrawi people. Western Sahara, a vast desert territory on Africa's northwest coast, was colonised by Spain in 1884, becoming known as Spanish Sahara. The indigenous Sahrawi, nomadic Arab-Berber tribes with a rich cultural heritage of poetry, camel herding, and resistance, endured harsh Spanish rule for nearly a century. By the 1970s, as decolonisation swept the continent, the Sahrawis formed the Polisario Front in 1973 to demand independence, inspired by global anti-colonial movements. Spain's withdrawal in 1975, amid UN calls for a self-determination referendum, opened the door to betrayal. Morocco, under King Hassan II, launched the 'Green March' – a mass civilian invasion backed by military forces – claiming historical ties dismissed by the International Court of Justice. Simultaneously, Mauritania invaded from the south. The secret Madrid Accords partitioned the territory, ignoring Sahrawi rights and sparking a guerrilla war. Mauritania withdrew in 1979, but Morocco annexed its share, escalating oppression. Moroccan forces bombed civilian camps with napalm and phosphorus, displacing over 100,000 Sahrawis into Algerian refugee camps, where generations have grown up in exile. Morocco's tactics grew more insidious: constructing the 2,700-kilometre Berm wall in the 1980s – fortified with landmines, radar, and troops – to bisect the territory and contain Polisario fighters. This 'wall of shame' symbolises division, trapping Sahrawis in poverty while Morocco exploits phosphates, fisheries, and potential oil reserves worth billions. Human rights abuses abound: arbitrary arrests, torture, forced disappearances, and suppression of Sahrawi culture and language. A 1991 UN ceasefire promised an independence referendum, but Morocco has obstructed it for decades, proposing instead the Autonomy Plan – limited self-rule under its sovereignty, excluding full freedom. The 2020 ceasefire collapse, triggered by Moroccan incursions, reignited low-intensity conflict, with Polisario resuming armed resistance. Over 170,000 Sahrawi refugees remain in Algerian camps, facing food shortages and harsh conditions, while occupied zones see protests met with brutality. This oppression, violating over 100 UN resolutions, echoes colonial patterns, denying self-determination and perpetuating Africa's last colony. As the EFF, we reject it with the utter contempt that it deserves; we will continue to protest, boycott, and demand justice. Zuma's actions won't deter us; they fuel our revolutionary fire. We call for probes into the MK party's financial ties with the very wealthy Moroccan Royal family, mass protests, and AU expulsion for Morocco. Forward to liberation for the Sahrawi people. The betrayal and oppression of the Sahrawi people will certainly not be tolerated in our name. * Carl Niehaus is a Member of Parliament for the Economic Freedom Fighters. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
MK party slams Ramaphosa over missed Mandela Day deadline
The MK party listed a range of actions that they would take should the president not step down. The MK party claims it has taken note of President Cyril Ramaphosa's failure to abide by a resignation ultimatum the party had issued earlier this month. Former president Jacob Zuma's party confirmed that Ramaphosa had until Mandela Day, Friday, July 18, 2025, to tender his resignation or face several repercussions. Missed deadline MK party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has now written to National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza to table a motion of no confidence against Ramaphosa. 'The uMkhonto weSizwe party notes that Mr Cyril Ramaphosa has failed to meet the deadline set by the Chief Justice to file opposing papers in the Constitutional Court, following President Jacob Zuma and the MK party challenging the matter surrounding Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, the illegal appointment of an acting Minister, as well as forcing the judiciary to investigate itself last week'. ALSO READ: Here's why Zuma's MK party wants Ramaphosa removed in 'urgent' motion of no confidence 'Defiance' Ndhlela said this is clear 'defiance of the directives issued by the Chief Justice.' 'It comes as no surprise that Ramaphosa, a known money-launderer, also doubles as a constitutional delinquent,' Ndhlela said. 'The Chief Justice had instructed Mr. Ramaphosa to respond by Tuesday, 22 July 2025, outlining the legal basis for three key decisions: placing Minister Senzo Mchunu on a 'leave of absence' instead of removing him as a Minister, appointing a non-Cabinet member to serve as an Acting Minister and requesting the judiciary to investigate itself. 'This latest move by Ramaphosa raises significant constitutional questions and concerns about transparency, accountability and his overall leadership. 'The failure to respond also undermines the integrity of the judiciary as well as the public's right to answers regarding the serious allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi,' Ndhlela said. Draft motion In the draft motion, Zuma's party asked Didiza to consider its motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa, accusing him of economic mismanagement, law enforcement failures, and 'failure to act decisively against corruption.' MK party parliamentary leader Dr John Hlophe claims that Ramaphosa's leadership has 'eroded public trust and allowed the country to unravel.' NOW READ: Why the ANC remains a safe haven for corruption
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
10 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
Africa News Live Updates: MK's Sahara shock, Sudan's oil conflict, Nigeria's budget battles
July 23, 2025, 10:54:40 (IST) Whatsapp Facebook Twitter MK party's Western Sahara stance introduces foreign policy uncertainty for South Africa A representative for Western Sahara's Polisario Front, Mohamed Beisat, has stated the movement will not publicly criticise former South African President Jacob Zuma, despite his recent visit to Morocco and suggestions from his MK party that Western Sahara should be a Moroccan province, Mail & Guardian says in a report. This development introduces a significant element of foreign policy unpredictability for South Africa. The MK party's position is a stark deviation from South Africa's long-established policy of recognising the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). For investors and businesses, this signals potential instability and a lack of policy cohesion within South Africa's new political landscape, which could heighten political risk and complicate commercial engagements in North Africa, particularly with nations like Algeria, a key supporter of the SADR.
The Citizen
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Zuma's MK party wants Ramaphosa removed in motion of no confidence
In a draft motion, the MK party claims that Ramaphosa's leadership has 'eroded public trust and allowed the country to unravel'. Former president Jacob Zuma's MK party has written to Parliament to consider its motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of economic mismanagement, law enforcement failures, and 'failure to act decisively against corruption.' In a draft motion to the National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, on Tuesday, MK party parliamentary leader Dr John Hlophe claims that Ramaphosa's leadership has 'eroded public trust and allowed the country to unravel.' Draft motion 'Lack of transparency regarding campaign funders, including the sealing of court records related to his campaign funding, failure to act decisively against corruption within state-owned enterprises and government institutions,' are some of the reasons Hlophe cites in a letter to Didiza. ALSO READ: 'Ramaphosa will go down in history as one of the most useless presidents' – analyst Last week, the MK party issued a similar motion against Ramaphosa if the president did not reverse his decision to appoint Wits University law professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister and place police minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence following explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) top cop Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 'Urgent' In the letter, Hlophe said the matters against Ramaphosa are 'urgent.' 'I write to formally submit a motion of no confidence in Mr Cyril Ramaphosa as President of the Republic of South Africa, in terms of Section 102(2) of the Constitution and Rule 129 of the Rules of the National Assembly.' Hlophe said the motion requests the urgent convening of a special sitting to debate and vote on the matter within two weeks of receipt. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa's response 'a direct spit in the face of our revolutionary forefathers' – Sisulu foundation 'Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I trust that the motion will be scheduled for debate and vote at the earliest opportunity to ensure the stability and governance of our nation,' Hlophe wrote. 'Not politically motivated' In the draft motion, Hlophe claims the motion is not politically motivated but is a 'necessary step to prevent South Africa from spiralling further into instability and to restore public trust in governance.' Hlophe listed charges of governance failures for which Ramaphosa must be removed. Persistent high levels of crime and lawlessness under his leadership, including marked increase in murder, robbery, and gender-based violence cases. Failure to address the deteriorating state of the South African Police Service (Saps), which has been unable to maintain public safety or prosecute high-profile offenders. Allegations of interference in law enforcement agencies, as highlighted by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner's media briefing, which revealed syndicate involvement in Saps and the broader criminal justice system. Economic mismanagement Under economic mismanagement, Hlophe cites record-high unemployment rates, with no actionable economic recovery plans to address the economic despair in rural and urban communities. 'Failure to achieve acceptable economic growth rates, exacerbating poverty and inequality'. Hlophe also mentions security concerns. Failure to secure South Africa's borders, leading to an influx of undocumented foreign nationals and compromising the safety of citizens. Inadequate response to organised crime, including construction mafia criminality, kidnappings, and gang violence. Motion of no confidence While Zuma and the MK party hope that Ramaphosa will be removed, it's unlikely that the motion will pass or succeed in the National Assembly without the support of the coalition of parties in the government of national unity (GNU) if they vote against it. In his eight years as president of the country, Zuma survived eight motions of no confidence. ALSO READ: WATCH: Moeletsi Mbeki criticises Ramaphosa: 'He's been a very weak president'
Ya Biladi
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
ANC urges Morocco to «apologize» for use of South African flag during Jacob Zuma visit
After several days of silence, South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has finally responded to former President Jacob Zuma's show of support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. Zuma, who now heads the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, had sparked controversy with his position. «We condemn the opportunistic involvement of Jacob Zuma, who has aligned himself with efforts that erode South Africa's standing in the international commuity and betray the principles of non-alignment, peace, and anti-colonial solidarity that he once purported to uphold», the ANC said in a statement. «It is shameful that a former leader of a liberation movement s betraying our historical mission and showing his true colors as he stands in opposition to the aim of contributing to the creation of a better Africa and world that is more humane, just, equitable, democratic, and free». The ANC concluded this section of its statement, addressing Zuma's visit to Morocco, by reaffirming its position: «We reiterate our call for the completion of the decolonization process in Africa, in order to safeguard the right to self-determination for African peoples still under colonial rule. The ANC calls upon all progressive forces within the continent and around the world to intensify their solidarity with the people of Western Sahara in their pursuit of self-determination». The South African Flag and a Diplomatic Incident The party also expressed «deep concern over a troubling situation involving the Kingdom of Morocco». It condemned the use of South Africa's national flag during a bilateral meeting with an opposition figure «who does not represent the democratically elected government of South Africa». «This reckless and provocative act constitutes a flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms and constitutes an unacceptable intrusion into South Africa's internal political affairs. It is a dangerous attempt to delegitimize our constitutional order and discredit the authority of a democratically elected government», the ANC stated. «The inclusion of our national symbols in partisan activities hosted by foreign powers is not only misleading but part of a broader agenda of foreign interference», Ramaphosa's party added. The ANC has called on the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a formal diplomatic protest to Morocco and to demand immediate clarification and an official apology from Moroccan authorities. This diplomatic protest, however, comes as a surprise. The South African flag was visibly displayed, alongside the Algerian flag, during a meeting in December 2023 between the ANC's secretary-general and Salah Goudjil, the former president of Algeria's Upper House. The flag was also present during talks between Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and senior ANC officials. In South Africa, Jacob Zuma's MK party, now the country's third-largest political force, has positioned itself as a leading opponent of President Ramaphosa's administration. Political tensions have been mounting in recent weeks. On Friday, MK supporters held a demonstration outside the presidential palace in Pretoria, calling for .
