Former President Zuma Decries Rising Corruption and Political Killings Within ANC

In a poignant address to a gathering of over 200 attendees in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Former President Jacob Zuma expressed his severe apprehension over what he considers an alarming growth in corruption and political killings that have taken root in the African National Congress (ANC).

Marking a century since the birth of Moses Mabhida, the respected late Secretary-General of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and a commander of the ANC's erstwhile military wing, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), Zuma spoke out regarding issues tarnishing the party’s reputation and integrity.

While he lauded Mabhida’s legacy, Zuma highlighted the drastic straying of the ANC from its original values and ethos. The event, orchestrated in remembrance of one of the nation's most celebrated freedom fighters, was overwhelmed by Zuma's critique of the ANC — a party he claimed is now dominated by the influence of money, leading to internecine violence.

In a rather solemn reflection, Zuma, with his speech delivered in isiZulu, emphasized his backing of the MK party. He clarified that his support was not meant to cause any destabilization of the ANC, but rather to reclaim and preserve its founding principles from those whom he believes are set on its destruction.

The escalating internal violence leading up to elections, evident through councillor killings and rampant bribery, was outlined by Zuma as being antithetical to the ANC's very foundation. He openly questioned the party leadership's response to these crises, suggesting an apparent inaction or lack of effective solutions.

The Former President refused to entertain questions from journalists post his address, reinforcing the gravity of his message through a sole monologic narrative.

Zuma's support for the MK party, which is named after the ANC’s now-defunct armed wing, comes a few weeks after his announcement of the intention to stand behind this emergent force in the political arena. Despite the historical disbandment of the MK in 1994, Zuma holds firm to the belief that his true allegiance lies within the ANC as he once knew it. He disavowed the notion of starting a new party; instead, his intention is to act from within to rectify what he sees as the party's current misdirection.

Former President Zuma's vehement address serves both as a remembrance of a notable historical figure in Mabhida and as a sharp critique of the current state of affairs within his own party, highlighting the challenges that continue to beleaguer South Africa's political landscape.