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In a bold legal maneuver, ten expelled MPs of South Africa's MK Party have initiated an urgent court application with the Johannesburg high court to have the bank accounts of the party, as well as those belonging to its leader Jacob Zuma, frozen. This drastic measure, led by frontman Thamsanqa Kuzwayo, comes as the former parliamentarians gear up to level a damages claim against the party and its leader following the controversial termination of their party memberships.
This group of politicians, namely Thamsanqa Kuzwayo, Isaac Menyatso, Citron Motshegoe, Augastina Qwetha, Nomado Mgwebi, Ntombenhle Mkhize, Sydwel Masilea, Frans Mfika, Senzo Dlamini, and Agnes Mogotsi, faced expulsion back in August, mere months after they were sworn into their parliamentary roles. Named respondents in this complex legal saga include not only MK Party and Jacob Zuma but also an assortment of financial institutions such as Standard Bank, Capitec Bank, Banking Association SA, First Rand, Absa, and Nedbank.
At the core of the contention is the assertion that party funds, which Kuzwayo argues were amassed through public contributions predicated on the promise of a democratic operation, have been mismanaged. Claims have been made that each expelled MP contributed R10,000 to Zuma's private Capitec bank account as a symbol of loyalty, with the understanding that these funds would be utilized democratically. However, Kuzwayo and his fellow applicants allege these funds have been used in a way that starkly deviates from their intended purpose.
The predicament has left the group in a financially vulnerable state, given their complete shift to politics from their previous occupations, upon assurances of due process and adherence to constitutional values within the party. Kuzwayo emphasizes the severity of their situation, detailing the impact of Zuma's unilateral decisions on their personal livelihoods and that of their dependents, many of whom include minors and spouses. The monthly R102,000 salary, which they once enjoyed as MPs, has halted, resulting in what Kuzwayo describes as financial ruin directly traceable to Zuma's actions.
The urgency of their application is underlined by their concern that without immediate court-ordered protection, their right to compensation could suffer irrevocable damage. They highlight the risk of being defrauded and losing any chance of claiming damages for the conduct of the party and Zuma.
The Western Cape High Court had previously dismissed an application from this group seeking reinstatement in September. The plaintiffs argued a lack of formal expulsion procedures and raised concerns over potential forgeries of resignation documents.
In response to the latest court application, MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has refrained from making immediate comments before thoroughly reviewing the court filings. The situation remains dynamic, and the political and legal implications of this conflict promise to have substantial repercussions.