In December 2023, South Africa witnessed the birth of a new political force, as former president Jacob Zuma launched uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), a party that claims to represent the next phase of the country’s liberation struggle. The announcement, made on the Day of Reconciliation, carried heavy historical symbolism, drawing on the legacy of the ANC’s armed wing that once fought against apartheid. Zuma, a figure synonymous with the country’s political and legal turbulence, positioned MK as a vehicle to reignite the leftist struggle, making a stark transition from clandestine resistance to modern-day democratic engagement through the ballot box. Despite its recent formation, MK quickly captured the imagination of voters, securing over four million votes in the 2024 general elections and cementing itself as South Africa’s third-largest political party.
Yet, MK’s rise has not been without its challenges. While it achieved remarkable success in its first national election, many questions remain about the party’s long-term viability. Its rapid ascent was aided by Zuma’s strong personal brand, but critics argue that the party’s lack of traditional structures and clear policy platforms leaves it vulnerable to becoming yet another flash-in-the-pan movement. The absence of a well-defined ideological roadmap or an established base of operations raises concerns about the sustainability of its popularity. As the party begins to contend with the complexities of running a political entity in South Africa’s competitive landscape, MK’s ability to grow beyond its charismatic leader and manage internal turbulence will be crucial to its survival.
At the core of MK’s success—and its fragility—lies the leadership of Jacob Zuma. While his influence has helped propel the party into prominence, his centralization of power has sparked dissent within its ranks. Court documents suggest that Zuma holds near-total control over party decisions, including appointments and strategic directions. Although he defends this structure as a means of preventing sabotage, it has led to rising tensions, with party members accusing him of sidelining grassroots activists who helped establish MK in the first place. This top-down approach, critics argue, threatens to undermine the democratic ideals that MK espouses, as internal dissent continues to grow louder, casting doubt on whether the party can evolve into a truly inclusive political force.
The party’s funding is another area shrouded in mystery. Despite running a high-profile campaign that likely exceeded R100 million in election expenses, MK’s official financial disclosures have raised eyebrows. According to these reports, the party’s largest donation amounted to just R380,555, leading to speculation about the true sources of its funding. MK claims that it is primarily supported by contributions from its members, but the lack of transparency in its financial dealings has added to the growing skepticism surrounding the party. As MK positions itself as a champion of the people, questions over its financial integrity will likely continue to loom, especially as the party’s future growth hinges on the ability to attract more funding and maintain transparency.
The party’s challenges have also been evident in recent by-elections. While MK’s national success in 2024 was undeniable, its performance in subsequent contests has been less impressive. In a by-election in Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, MK’s support collapsed from a promising 36% in May to just 13% in later polls. This sharp decline signals potential difficulties in retaining voter loyalty, particularly outside of the national spotlight. The inability to sustain momentum in smaller, local elections suggests that MK might struggle to translate its early popularity into long-term political power. This is a critical test for any new political party, as it faces the reality of engaging with voters on a more granular level, far from the media attention of a national election.
MK’s emergence also marks a shift in South Africa’s leftist political landscape, as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) once dominated the rhetoric of revolutionary politics. With its rhetoric rooted in the language of the anti-apartheid struggle, MK has tapped into a sense of frustration among South Africans who feel disillusioned by the ANC’s leadership after 30 years of democracy. The party has positioned itself as the true heir to the liberation struggle, a force that promises to return power to the people and reinvigorate the fight for justice. By invoking the spirit of protest politics, MK has resonated with those who feel abandoned by the ruling elite, offering a fresh platform for voices that feel increasingly marginalized by the status quo.
As MK moves forward, it faces an uncertain future. Its ability to consolidate its initial success and address the internal and external challenges it faces will be pivotal. With local government elections on the horizon in 2026, the party must navigate the complexities of party-building, address internal divisions, and demonstrate the capacity to manage its finances responsibly. South Africa’s political landscape is notoriously volatile, and MK’s ability to survive and thrive will depend on whether it can move beyond the personality-driven dynamics that currently define it. For now, the party remains at a crossroads, embodying the hopes of those still seeking the unfulfilled promises of liberation, while facing the harsh realities of factionalism, financial opacity, and leadership instability. The coming years will reveal whether MK can translate its moment of political revival into lasting influence, or whether it will fade into obscurity like many before it.
