Hlophe asserts that the MK Party will continue beyond Jacob Zuma’s leadership
MK Party Deputy President John Hlophe states that, while Jacob Zuma may be the party’s unifying force, it will continue to thrive beyond his leadership.
UMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Deputy President John Hlophe asserts that the party will endure beyond its leader, Jacob Zuma, despite his role as the unifying force.
Hlophe’s affirmation comes as there have been opinions that the MK Party is centred around Zuma and will cease to exist beyond him. This is because Zuma has the final say on who is deployed and where in the party, as he has been chopping and changing leaders as he sees fit.
JOHN HLOPHE CONFIDENT MK PARTY WILL EXIST EVEN WITHOUT ZUMA
In an exclusive interview with eNCA over the weekend, Hlophe said many joined the MK Party primarily because of Zuma; however, they know he will not be around forever.
Hlophe said the challenge is upon them, as relatively young leaders, to run with the baton and assist Zuma as much as possible.
“What would happen when he unfortunately passes? There is no doubt there would be an MK Party even way beyond. As much as he is the glue of the party, as much as we continue to derive guidance from President Zuma, here we are in Parliament, surviving without him.
“We have managed to gather a pool of suitably qualified MPs, and we’re only 48 for now, and yet, notwithstanding that we have made a huge impact. Zuma was very careful in selecting people; he didn’t just take people who were loyal to him. I believe everyone here came here because we’re competent and deserve to be here,” Hlophe said.
Additionally, Hlophe said it would be a fundamental mistake to think that the MK would die as soon as Zuma passes on.
“I do not doubt that we would carry on and spread the word and the message that we have learned from Zuma,” the former Western Cape High Court judge president added.