MK Party prepares for first birthday rally in Durban

The event will be held at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

The party was established by former President Jacob Zuma in December 2023 in preparation for the May 29 elections.

The milestone comes as the party has risen to become the third-largest political organisation in South Africa.

This means the party has taken the mantle of the official opposition in Parliament following the DA's decision to join the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The MKP’s rapid rise has not come without consequences for other political parties.

 The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has been most affected, with several key leaders defecting to Zuma's movement.

Among them is Floyd Shivambu, who was a founding member and deputy president of the EFF.

Shivambu’s departure from the party after ten years has been a significant blow to its leadership structure and internal cohesion.

He is now the Mk party's General Secretary.

Briefing the media at the stadium on Wednesday, Shivambu highlighted the occasion's significance, saying there are also plans for additional public engagements ahead of the rally.

“The first year of the MKP’s existence has been defined by many dynamic political and organisational developments and progress,” said Shivambu.

He emphasised the historical importance of December 16, describing it as a pivotal date in South African politics.

“The 16th of December is a very important day in the politics of South Africa because it historically represented the colonial settlers’ conquest over our people and is currently designated as Reconciliation Day in South Africa’s political calendar.

“The 16th of December is also an important day in the revolutionary politics of South Africa because of uMkhonto weSizwe, the military resistance and struggle army that was launched on the 16th of December 1961, and because of uMkhonto weSizwe Party that was launched on the 16th of December 2023.

“We as uMkhonto weSizwe Party carry a revolutionary obligation to celebrate and mark the 16th of December as a very important day in the politics and history of our party,” he said.

Ahead of the rally, MKP will kick off its anniversary activities with a public meeting on November 30 in Ekurhuleni.

 Shivambu lauded the region’s strong support for the party in recent elections.

“We invite the people of Ekurhuleni and the whole of Gauteng province to come in their numbers to support the launching programme of uMkhonto weSizwe 1st anniversary programmes and activities.

“The public meeting will be addressed by our Commander General, President Jacob Zuma.”

Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium was chosen for the main event due to MKP’s substantial voter base in the eThekwini region.

 “More than 600,000 voters in this region voted for the MKP, and the second-most supported political party received less than 200,000 votes,” Shivambu said.

“eThekwini is the home of uMkhonto weSizwe and deserves to host this all-important first anniversary of the MKP.”

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