Zuma slams ANC leadership, vows to restore law and order

Zuma, now the leader of the newly formed uMkhonto We Sizwe, addressed thousands of supporters at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. 

The party hosted what is dubbed the People’s Mandate, a message of commitments that will be delivered after the May 29 elections.

When Zuma arrived at the stadium, he was welcomed by a cheering crowd, singing the famous song “Wenzeni Zuma,” which translates to “What did Zuma do?”

This is the question asked by thousands of MK party supporters who believe that his recall as ANC president was unfair.

Supporters were bussed from different parts of the country, mainly his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, to listen to his address.

They believe that Zuma has unfinished business.

In true Zuma fashion, he arrived at the stadium three hours after the programme was scheduled to start. 

He opened his speech with the struggle song "Inde lendlela esiyihambayo!" which means "They journey we are walking is long"

During his speech, he promised a new South Africa where law and order would be restored.

"Children will receive free education. Curriculum renewal must focus on good strong degrees so they can get employment. 

“We will work against teenage pregnancy. 

“Respect and cultural upbringing will be encouraged. We need to restore the dignity of our county and communities," Zuma said.

Zuma says military training of children post-matric will be encouraged as a means of building patriotism among the youth.

The former president also believes there are too may political parties contesting the May 29 elections.

"Political parties are too much. MK must work towards mobilisation of left forces working together, focused on main national interests,"said Zuma.

Hundreds of kings from various parts of the country were also at the stadium to show their support for his return to government.

He centred his message around the sole of traditional leaders, saying they have been stripped of their powers and authority.

Zuma promised to restore their dignity when the MK party takes over government after the elections.

He also used his speech to take a swipe at the judiciary.

“When the court hates you, they sentence you, even when you are innocent,” he said.

He says judges use their position to settle scores against those they hate.

The former president is, of course, no stranger to South African courts and the judiciary.

Over the years, Zuma has exhausted all options in the courts, challenging judges whom he believes cannot be trusted to preside over cases involving him.

Zuma used his speech to indirectly condemn his 15 month sentence to prison in 2021.

He was sentenced for refusing to testify at the  Commission of Inquiry into State Capture chaired by  Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

He acknowledged questions around his age, admitting he is at retirement age but saying his fight is mainly to get criminals out of the government.

 "We can't be this old and fight to get criminals out of the government because they are criminals. We should retire when we are this old and rest and play with grandchildren," said Zuma.

Taking a swipe at the national executive committee of his former party, the ANC, Zuma told his supporters that the MK party’s goal is not to enter Parliament.

"We will do more even outside parliament.MK members must focus on nation-building. Therefore, no fighting for positions in MK would be allowed.

 “I say this because none of those members of the NEC will be members of the cabinet. 

“The problem is that they become conflicted. They control the organisational policies and yet implement the same policies. MK must strike a balance. We want servants to the nation," said Zuma.

"I say this in this full stadium because all must understand. No thieves are  welcomed at MK.”