Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 13, 2024 11:51 pm GMT
Former ANC MP Joins MK Party Amid Allegations of Discrimination
Ponani Makhubele, a former Member of Parliament (MP) for the African National Congress (ANC), has resigned from her position to join the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). This significant political shift comes as Makhubele expresses her feelings of isolation and discrimination within the ANC, raising questions about the party’s internal dynamics and treatment of its members.
Makhubele’s decision to leave the ANC stems from her long-standing grievances regarding the manipulation of the party’s candidate lists. She has been vocal about feeling marginalized and victimized for standing up against these practices, particularly after a court victory that saw her reinstated after being wrongfully removed from the list in 2011.
Makhubele’s Departure from ANC
During her tenure in the ANC, Makhubele served as the deputy chairperson of the Bongi Mabunda branch in Giyani. She described her experience in the party as increasingly isolating, especially during election cycles. “I started feeling isolated at the time when I was already serving as a Member of Parliament for the past three years,” she stated in a recent interview.
After being placed 124th on the ANC’s national candidate list for the recent elections, Makhubele saw her chances of returning to Parliament dwindle significantly. Historically, she had been placed in a position that allowed for her to be in the National Assembly, but recent changes have favored other candidates.
“The isolation was due to the fact I took the ANC to court in 2011 after my name was removed from the list,” she said. The court’s ruling in her favor highlighted the internal conflicts within the ANC regarding candidate selection.
Reasons for Joining MKP
As Makhubele transitions to the MKP, she cites the party’s alignment with her ideals of liberation and socio-economic development as key motivations for her decision. She stated, “The ANC is not what it says it is…I felt unsafe, isolated, and like there were people working against me.”
Makhubele elaborated on her past grievances, including how the ANC has allegedly been manipulating its national candidate list for years. Earlier this year, she expressed intentions to take legal action against the party again, but her frustrations with the lack of accountability within the ANC led her to abandon those proceedings.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has become an appealing alternative for political leaders disillusioned with the ANC. The party stands as an opposition force, seeking to represent socio-economic issues that resonate with the South African public.
Former ANC members like Makhubele are not alone in their departures. Other prominent figures, such as former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Brenda Tirhani and various members from the ANC Youth League, have also found a political home in the MKP, indicative of the broader shifts within South African politics.
The View from the ANC
As of now, the ANC has not publicly commented on Makhubele’s resignation. Her criticisms highlight growing concerns among party members about transparency and the integrity of candidate selection, especially ahead of crucial elections and party conferences.
Political analysts suggest that Makhubele’s departure may signal ongoing challenges for the ANC, especially as it struggles with internal strife and voter confidence. The party faces pressure to address issues related to accountability and member treatment if it hopes to retain its influential position in South African politics.
Political Landscape Changes
Makhubele’s shift to the MKP is part of a larger trend, where political figures dissatisfied with their parties are finding new platforms. The MKP is gaining traction and is seen as a growing alternative in the South African political landscape, particularly with the recent influx of former EFF and ANC members.
The party currently holds 58 seats in Parliament and one seat in the Limpopo Provincial Legislature. Its increasing popularity stands as a testament to the demand for political reform and more inclusive governance.
Ponani Makhubele’s move to join the uMkhonto weSizwe Party underscores deeper divisions within the ANC and highlights the evolving nature of South Africa’s political environment. As she embarks on this new chapter, her story resonates with a growing segment of the population questioning the current state of political affairs and the integrity of traditional political structures.
*Former ANC MP Ponani Makhubele announces her resignation from the ANC to join the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).*
As the political scene changes, people will pay close attention to Makhubele’s decision. South Africa is getting ready for upcoming elections, and her story shows how party changes can really impact a politician’s career. It also reminds us that when people are unhappy, it can lead to new political ideas and movements.
