Latest news with #MKP
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Willies Mchunu defends MPLs' decision to oppose the Division of Revenue Bill
MKP convenor in KwaZulu-Natal Willies Mchunu says the party will not discipline the six MPLs who voted against the Bill. Image: supplied Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) will not discipline the 'rebelling' six members of KwaZulu-Natal Legislature who voted against the Division of Revenue Bill because they did the 'right thing' This was confirmed by the party's provincial leader Willies Mchunu on Saturday. He said there was no plan to act against the six MPLs for their action which the party does not deem wrong. He stated that when you look at the national leadership position on the Bill which rejected it, the six members do not seem to be in the wrong. Mchunu further stated that there was no communication between the provincial leadership and the caucus before voting therefore the party will not act against anyone, adding that he has directed the caucus to discuss the matter and find each other. 'We will not act against anyone in this matter and we have directed our caucus to sort it out themselves in the legislature. I think there was a misunderstanding,' said Mchunu. In an unprecedented move last week, six party MPLs broke ranks with the caucus and voted against the bill while 31 other members supported during the chamber sitting, prompting calls for action against the 'rebelling' MPLs, however, the members defended their decision. The member who spoke on condition of anonymity on Thursday denied going against the party's position, saying it was him and other five members who kept the long-standing position and voted against the Bill. He stated that firstly, the new chief whip Bonginkosi Mngadi never called a caucus meeting before voting and there was no new instruction for members to vote in a particular way. He said in the absence of an instruction, the six of them followed a long-standing position that the MKP will never support anything that comes from the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) since the party believes the elections were rigged. Furthermore, the member said to prove that they were not wrong, the party has not charged them after explaining their side to the provincial leadership under convener Willies Mchunu. The member further said that in their engagement with Mchunu it "became clear that it was an oversight from those who supported the Bill". However, the party chief whip Bonginkosi Mngadi disputed the member's version that there was no meeting or mandate to support the Bill. He stated that he called a caucus meeting where he informed the members of the position and even articulated the position when he spoke for the party before voting for the Bill. 'I am chief whip of the party in the legislature and spoke in the chamber that the party will support the Bill since it was talking about transparency and accountability so I was speaking on behalf of the party,' said Mngadi. He said he would not want to discuss the matter further since it was reported to the provincial leadership. There was also confusion when the same Bill was voted in parliament on Wednesday where the MKP chief whip Colleen Makhubekele voted yes for the bill only to change her vote later, arguing that she thought the vote was about the Ad hoc committee on allegations of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's interference in police operations which we were reported by KwaZulu-Natal provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. [email protected]
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
MKP, Morocco Alliance A Betrayal of the Saharawi Struggle
Sahrawi refugees attend the military parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Polisario Front and the outbreak of the armed struggle for the independence of Western Sahara in Aousserd in Tindouf southwest of Algiers, Algeria, May 20, 2023. Image: AFP Reneva Fourie The Umkhonto we Sizwe Party's (MKP) growing relationship with the Kingdom of Morocco, as laid out in the document titled 'A Strategic Partnership for African Unity, Economic Emancipation and Territorial Integrity: Morocco', was recently strengthened during a high-profile visit to Morocco by MKP leader, Jacob Zuma. This deepening alliance raises serious questions about the MKP's ideological commitments and political motivations, especially in light of Morocco's controversial political stance and human rights record. MKP's partnership with a country with deep links to Israel – and one that has been complicit in the ongoing occupation and human rights violations against the Saharawi people – is a marked departure from the party's earlier messaging as a champion of anti-colonialism and African self-determination. Rather than standing in solidarity with the oppressed, MKP now appears to be embracing and legitimising imperialist interests, thereby aligning itself with Western political and economic agendas on the continent. Morocco's relationship with Israel is particularly contentious and is rejected by significant segments of its population. On 10 December 2020, the US government announced a normalisation agreement between Israel and Morocco. By 22 December 2020, the two countries signed a joint statement committing to initiate direct flights to enhance economic collaboration and establish full diplomatic ties. As part of this arrangement, the US agreed to recognise Morocco's annexation of Western Sahara and endorsed Morocco's autonomy proposal as the only framework for negotiations. Among Morocco's acts of complicity in Israel's current genocide in Gaza is allowing an Israeli warship to dock at Tangier for refuelling and resupplying while en route from the US. In openly supporting Morocco's position on Western Sahara, the MKP has abandoned its previous support for the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The party's endorsement of Morocco's so-called autonomy proposal, a model widely spurned by the Saharawi people, represents a profound betrayal of Africa's last colony and a reversal of MKP's previously stated values. This change in posture was publicly confirmed by former MKP Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu during a media briefing held on 19 June. Shivambu alleged that following his removal from the party, MKP reversed its pro-Western Sahara position and quietly adopted a pro-Moroccan outlook. More alarmingly, he revealed that this change was transactional. 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. 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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. Next Stay Close ✕ He said: 'You can see that statement which is issued in the name of MKP is written by the Moroccan embassy here in South Africa to impose a position on MK on the basis that there would be money exchanges. ' This revelation endorses speculation around the commodification of MKP's foreign policy. A party that earlier claimed to be rooted in progressive, pan-Africanist values now appears to be for sale to the highest bidder. In aligning with Morocco, MKP is turning its back not only on the Saharawi people but also on SA's historical and principled stance in support of decolonisation, justice, and international law. The betrayal is not just political; it is also historical. MKP's formation was controversial from the start, particularly due to its appropriation of the name 'Umkhonto we Sizwe', the military wing established by the ANC and SACP, that had fought bravely against apartheid. In adopting this name, the party sought to draw legitimacy from a liberation movement it does not authentically represent. Now, the MKP is further distorting history by omitting key facts, such as the role of Algeria's National Liberation Front (FLN) – which had resistance bases operating from the Moroccan border – in training Nelson Mandela. By erasing this history, MKP not only misleads the public but also insults the legacy of those who fought for Africa's true liberation. The MKP's foreign policy shift brings it uncomfortably close to the Democratic Alliance (DA), a party long criticised for undermining SA's official positions on international solidarity. Like the DA, MKP now travels abroad to make pronouncements that directly contradict SA's stated policies and undermine the dignity of its people. One of the most disturbing displays of this was the presence of the South African flag next to that of Morocco during an MKP press briefing in the country. The use of national symbols in partisan activities hosted by foreign governments is deeply deceptive. It not only misrepresents the country's position but also compromises its sovereignty and diplomatic integrity. SA's position on Western Sahara has long been consistent with international law. Since 2004, it has officially recognised the SADR and called for a United Nations-backed referendum on independence. The UN classified Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory as early as 1963. General Assembly resolutions 2072 and 2229 emphasised the need for a self-determination process. In 1975, Spain conferred administrative control of the territory to Morocco and Mauritania, ignoring UN resolutions and the rights of the Saharawi people. This led to the formation of the Polisario Front, a staunch ally of the FLN and ANC. Although Mauritania relinquished its claims in 1979, Morocco has persisted in its occupation, with regular reports of oppression, imprisonment, and abuse of the Saharawi people. MKP's current position places it in direct violation of domestic, continental, and international legal frameworks. The leaders of the MKP are well aware of this legal and historical context, but have chosen to repackage it to justify the newfound leaning towards the ally of the US and Israel. Morocco's strategy of using economic incentives to shift foreign policy in its favour is not new. Since becoming king, Mohammed VI has led a diplomatic offensive that also encompasses Sub-Saharan Africa. The SADR had initially received recognition from 84 UN member states. Some have since either frozen or revoked their recognition. The MKP is among those that have succumbed to Morocco's seduction. By turning its back on the people of the SADR and disregarding SA's official foreign policy, the MKP is also abandoning the very people it claims to represent. This betrayal must be seen for what it is: a dangerous pivot toward political expediency and opportunism, masquerading as a strategic partnership. In doing so, MKP has positioned itself not as a defender of African liberation, but as a willing participant in its erosion. * Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Six MKP members in KZN defend their vote against the Division of Revenue Bill
The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature building in Pietermaritzburg. Image: Shan Pillay One of the six Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) members of KwaZulu-Natal legislature who voted against the Division of Revenue Bill has defended their decision and accused the party MPLs who supported it as out of line. In an unprecedented move, six party MPLs broke ranks with the caucus and voted against the bill while 31 other members supported during the chamber sitting last week, prompting calls for action against the 'rebelling' MPLs. The member who spoke on condition of anonymity on Thursday denied going against the party's position, saying it was him and other five members who kept the long-standing position and voted against the Bill. He stated that firstly, the new chief whip never called a caucus meeting before voting and there was no new instruction for members to vote in a particular way therefore the six of them followed a long-standing position that the MKP will never support anything that comes from the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) since the party believes the elections were rigged. 'We hear people saying we undermined the party's instruction and we wonder which one because we never received any instruction to vote for this bill nor were we called to a caucus meeting before voting. In the absence of any new instruction, we decided to follow the long-standing position we were given when the government was constituted last year that our party will not support any thing that would come with the GPU since we were robbed of an opportunity that was given to us by the voters to be the government of the province,' said the member. Furthermore, the member said to prove that they were not wrong, the party has not charged them after explaining their side to the provincial leadership under convener Willies Mchunu. The member further said that in their engagement with Mchunu it "became clear that it was an oversight from those who supported the Bill". However, the party chief whip Bonginkosi Mngadi disputed the member's version that there was no meeting or mandate to support the Bill. He stated that he called a caucus meeting where he informed the members of the position and even articulated the position when he spoke for the party before voting for the Bill. 'I am chief whip of the party in the legislature and spoke in the chamber that the party will support the Bill since it was talking about transparency and accountability so I was speaking on behalf of the party,' said Mngadi. He said he would not want to discuss the matter further since it was reported to the provincial leadership. Attempts to get Willies Mchunu were unsuccessful. There was also confusion when the same Bill was voted in parliament on Wednesday where the MKP chief whip Colleen Makhubekele voted yes for the bill only to change her vote later, arguing that she thought the vote was about the Ad hoc committee on allegations of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's interference in police operations which we were reported by KwaZulu-Natal provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. [email protected]
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
We need to ignore meaningless commissions and build on our hard-won freedoms
The irony of the map of Africa With reference to the spat between the ANC, EFF and MKP regarding Jacob Zuma's visit to Morocco, it is amusing to observe their defence of colonialism's biggest legacy in the light of their fervent anti-colonial rhetoric and historical "struggle" against colonialism. The territorial demarcation of the map of Africa is colonialism's most enduring legacy. The boundaries of colonies were the result of territorial and economic greed among the European colonisers, each scrambling in the late 19th century to aggrandize their empires. Through invasion and conquest, the intervention of European powers in Africa was a violent collision between Western and African cultures the aftershocks of which persist to this day. The biggest mistake the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) made on its formation in 1963 was its failure to redraw the map of Africa based on tribal and cultural integrity. Instead, the newly emancipated pursued power and prestige as presidents of the "states" bequeathed to them by colonialism. The only territory to break free of the colonial map is Eritrea – after a brutal and devastating 40- year war with Ethiopia. History shows that boundaries are not permanent. Eastern Europe's boundaries changed twice in the 20th century – post World War I and after the collapse of the USSR. Currently, separatist movements exist in Scotland and Spain. There is even one in the Western Cape. So it is ironic that the ANC, EFF and MKP are vociferous about preserving national sovereignty based on colonial boundaries. It's a pity that fondness does not extend to some of the worthwhile legacies of colonialism, such as medicine, education and infrastructure. | DR DUNCAN DU BOIS Bluff A tale of dreadful suffering and woe This is the most severe and devastating phase of starvation the Gaza Strip has experienced. Without exaggeration or distortion, the population is currently enduring a real famine. Humanitarian aid is virtually nonexistent. Available goods are extremely scarce and limited. Prices have reached astronomical levels, unaffordable even for those who still possess financial means. Most citizens, already exhausted by war and repeated displacement alerts, no longer have any money. The commission fees on withdrawing funds can be up to 45%. Numerous individuals have reported that for several days, they and their children have not eaten bread – the staple and often sole item on the table – because the price of 1kg of flour has reached $20 (R355). Other food items are simply inaccessible. Despite claims made nearly a month ago, when Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the allowance of humanitarian aid into Gaza – including the entrance of aid trucks through border crossings and the operations of Israeli-American companies distributing food in high-risk zones (which, according to the latest UN report, resulted in the deaths of 798 civilians) – the reality on the ground remains starkly different. From the beginning, we warned that these aid deliveries were nothing more than misleading media propaganda intended to silence international criticism and obscure the ongoing campaign of military extermination being carried out by the occupying forces .In truth, more than 80% of the population does not receive any of this aid due to multiple factors: The general scarcity of aid, widespread theft and looting along the supply chain and in storage facilities, and serious deficiencies in logistical organisation and distribution mechanisms. In practical terms, civilians in Gaza have been under total siege and subjected to deliberate starvation since March 2, 2025 – the date the occupying forces closed the border crossings. That was 131 consecutive days ago. Since then, nothing new has entered their homes. Moreover, the population has been completely deprived of all meat products, dairy, vegetables, and fruits. The limited aid that does arrive consists solely of canned goods, dried legumes, and starchy foods such as rice and pasta. Additionally, the complete lack of access to essential medications has led to thousands of preventable deaths. This is an urgent message to all concerned parties: Gaza's people are enduring one of the most extreme forms of starvation, torture, and denial of their basic human rights – especially of late. The narrative that aid is entering Gaza and reaching those in need is profoundly misleading. The reality is that most of the population – those who are paying the price with their lives and health – continue to be denied access to food and critical resources, while propaganda serves the interests of those benefiting from false claims about aid distribution. | Alaa (full name withheld) Gaza Strip Commissions of inquiry rarely of value A few weeks ago, South Africans heard serious allegations about the existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has allegedly infiltrated law enforcement structures. On Sunday, July 13, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the formation of a commission of inquiry to focus on the shocking allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and how the alleged deep-rooted corruption will be addressed. While I agree that the allegations must be attended to with the necessary diligence and that all parties must be given a fair chance to express themselves, citizens are tired of the many costly, time-consuming and unsuccessful commissions of inquiry. The most famous commission of inquiry, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, also known as the Zondo Commission, has yet to see its recommendations fully implemented or justice served against those who benefited from the abuse of power and state capture. Instead of a 'leave of absence', Ramaphosa should have suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu as a deterrent measure, thoroughly investigated the allegations, and then, if proven on a balance of probabilities, dismissed the minister after a fair that have the potential to uncover the truth only matter if their findings lead to action and are backed by consequences, sanctions, and justice. | MOHAMED SAEED Pietermaritzburg We need to build on the freedoms we won As we navigate the complexities of our 30-year democracy, it's essential to remember the principles that guided our struggle for freedom and continue to shape our path towards a more just and equitable society. In South Africa, we have made significant progress since the dawn of democracy. We've built a Constitution that enshrines the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of race, gender, or creed. We've made strides in promoting social justice, addressing the legacy of apartheid, and building a more inclusive economy. However, we still face significant challenges. Inequality, poverty, and unemployment remain pressing issues, and we need to work together to address them. As liberals, we believe that individual freedom, equality, and democracy are essential to creating a society where everyone can thrive. We need to promote economic growth, investment, and job creation, while ensuring the benefits of growth are shared fairly among all South Africans. We need to protect and strengthen our democratic institutions, ensuring that they remain accountable to the people and responsive to their also need to celebrate our diversity and promote social cohesion. South Africa is a rainbow nation, and our diversity is our strength. By embracing our differences and promoting tolerance, we can build a more harmonious and inclusive society. As liberals, we believe the answers to South Africa's challenges lie in our shared values of freedom, equality, and democracy. We need to work together, across party lines and sectors, to build a brighter future for all South Africans. Let us continue to uphold these liberal values, working together to build a South Africa where everyone can live with dignity, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the greater good. A South Africa where freedom, equality, and democracy thrive. | Thulani Dasa Khayelitsha DAILY NEWS
IOL News
21-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
MKP supports Zuma amid accusations of betrayal from ANC and EFF
Former president Jacob Zuma's Morocco visit has sparked controversy over Western Sahara. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has responded to accusations from the ANC and the EFF that their leader, Jacob Zuma, is a 'sellout' following his recent visit to Morocco. The controversy stems from Zuma's expression of support for Morocco's control over Western Sahara during his visit on July 16, 2025, where the South African flag was displayed alongside the Moroccan flag. The ANC recently condemned the use of the South African flag in Zuma's meeting with Moroccan officials, stating it was a 'reckless and provocative act' that constitutes a 'flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms'. The party demanded that Morocco apologise for the incident and called on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest. 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 ✕ During the ANC's National Working Committee meeting in Cape Town on Sunday, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula accused Zuma of stealing ANC assets to form the MK Party. Mbalula said Zuma would be remembered for further dividing the ANC, labelling him a 'sellout' for his visit to Morocco. 'Zuma is no messiah. He is a sellout. For whatever reason, he is doing this; it is no surprise to us,' Mbalula added. However, the MKP defended Zuma's right to visit other African nations, with Treasurer-General Thanti Mthanti highlighting his role as a statesman. Mthanti specifically acknowledged Zuma's efforts in negotiating peace and ending political killings in KwaZulu-Natal during the 1993 conflict between the ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party. Earlier this week, the MKP released a policy position advocating for stronger bilateral relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco, saying it is a stance that is rooted in shared principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and African unity. 'The MKP's identity is deeply rooted in the historic Struggle for liberation and dignity in South Africa. Similarly, Morocco's history is marked by its resistance to colonial domination and its determined pursuit of national unity. 'Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles — South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule. 'In this regard, Morocco has played a pivotal role in supporting South Africa through its fight for liberation. Morocco was the first country to lend financial and military support to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962.' During his visit to Morocco, Zuma said: 'Our party recognises the historical and legal context that underpins Morocco's claim to Western Sahara.' The MKP's policy supports Morocco's efforts to regain its territorial integrity, viewing it as consistent with the party's dedication to upholding the sovereignty and unity of African nations. The Moroccan embassy's phone rang unanswered on Monday. However, a diplomatic source close to the country defended Morocco, having displayed the South African flag during Zuma's visit, suggesting that the ANC's reaction is hypocritical. 'This diplomatic protest 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,' a diplomatic source said. EFF leader Julius Malema has also criticised Zuma's position on Morocco, calling it a 'sellout position'. Malema reaffirmed the EFF's support for the Sahrawi people's struggle for independence in Western Sahara. 'On the issue of Morocco, that was a complete sellout position,' he said on the sidelines of his court appearance at East London Magistrate's Court, in Eastern Cape, on Monday.
