uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party
The uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MK Party, MKP) is a South African left-wing populist party named after the ANC’s apartheid-era military wing (“Spear of the Nation”). Officially registered on 7 September 2023 by founder Jabulani Khumalo, it transformed from obscurity to South Africa’s third-largest party in six months when Jacob Zuma announced his backing in December 2023. Its 2024 general election result — 14.58% nationally and 44.5% in KwaZulu-Natal — was the most dramatic disruption of South African politics since the end of apartheid, directly contributing to the ANC (African National Congress)‘s loss of its 30-year parliamentary majority.
Origins and Zuma’s capture of the party: Zuma announced in December 2023 that he could not and would not campaign for the ANC under President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling it a “betrayal.” He announced he would vote for MK and became its de facto leader. The ANC challenged MK’s registration. The party expelled founder Khumalo and others, with Khumalo briefly attempting to “suspend” Zuma in retaliation — the IEC sided with MK. All top leaders are appointed by Zuma.
2024 election results: In the 29 May 2024 general election, MK received 14.58% of the national vote (58 seats in the National Assembly). In KwaZulu-Natal, MK won approximately 44.5%, beating the ANC (17%) and becoming the province’s dominant party — a stunning reversal in what had been an ANC stronghold. The ANC nationally received ~40.18%, losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994. The ANC subsequently formed a Government of National Unity (GNU) with the DA, IFP, and smaller parties, explicitly excluding MK and the EFF.
Constitutional Court disqualification: On 21 May 2024 — one week before the election — the Constitutional Court ruled that Zuma was ineligible to serve in Parliament, as his 15-month contempt of court imprisonment in 2021 disqualified him under the Constitution’s Section 47(1)(e). Zuma’s name was removed from MK’s parliamentary candidate list, though his image remained on the party’s ballot paper. This ruling did not stop MK’s surge.
Post-election: Zuma was expelled from the ANC in July 2024 for campaigning for a rival party — a formal end to his 60-year ANC membership. MK became the official opposition in KwaZulu-Natal, with the second-largest bloc in the National Assembly. The party continued winning by-elections in 2024-2025, including Richmond (KZN, March 2025) — a ward where the ANC had won 80%+ in 2021.
Policy positions: MK advocates nationalisation of banks, expropriation of land without compensation, free education, and removal of Ramaphosa. Critics describe it as vehicle for Zuma’s personal agenda — avoiding his Arms Deal corruption trial and destabilising Ramaphosa’s administration — rather than a coherent political programme. The party is strongly Zulu-nationalist in its rhetoric and has disproportionate support among older ANC voters in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Relevance to corruption narrative: Zuma has explicitly stated he founded MK partly to contest what he calls the illegitimacy of his prosecution. MK’s emergence delays and complicates the Arms Deal trial by ensuring Zuma retains political relevance and leverage. The party also provides a political vehicle for Zuma’s network of loyalists — many of whom are implicated in Zondo Commission findings.
Connections
- Jacob Zuma — de facto leader and founder of the party’s political identity; used MK platform to contest prosecution
- ANC (African National Congress) — direct breakaway; Zuma’s ANC membership ended July 2024; MK drew ~14% away
- Cyril Ramaphosa — primary political target; MK opposes Ramaphosa’s GNU and presidency
- South African Arms Deal — Zuma’s unresolved corruption trial; MK gives Zuma political shield