ANC slams MK Party for threats ahead of 2024 elections

The ANC has condemned supporters of the Jacob Zuma-backed MK Party for threatening the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

This comes as African Democratic Change councillor in eThekwini, Visvin Reddy was seen in a video threatening the IEC and saying that there would be no election in the country should the MK Party not appear in the ballot paper.  

RULING PARTY CONDEMNS JACOB-ZUMA BACKED PARTY

In a video that is circulating on social media platforms Visvin Reddy said there will be a civil war the day MK is not allowed to campaign and to be on the ballot paper.

“No one will vote and no one in this country will vote…We are sending a loud and clear message that if these courts which are sometimes captured, if they stop MK, there will be anarchy in this country. There will be riots like you never seen in this country, there’ll be no election. No South African will go the polls if MK is not on the ballot paper,” he added.

WATCH: Visvin Reddy of the MK Party in Durban openly saying that if the Jacob Zuma led party is barred by the courts from contesting the upcoming elections, there will be anarchy, riots and no one will be allowed to vote. pic.twitter.com/FmqRIjhnKd

— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) March 5, 2024

The ANC has vehemently condemned the threats saying they undermine the foundations of democracy.

“The ANC calls on all South Africans to stand united against any attempts to intimidate or undermine the integrity of our democratic institutions. We urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any acts of intimidation or violence to the relevant authorities,” ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said.

ANC VS MK PARTY OVER TRADEMARK

The ANC approached the courts due to a dispute over the logo and trademark used by the MK Party.

Lawyers representing the ANC sent a letter to the party’s founder Jabulani Sibongiseni Khumalo over the use of use of the uMkhonto weSizwe logo and trademark.

In the letter, the lawyers said the ruling party has used the uMkhonto weSizwe trademark for decades. They also argued that this may lead the public to believe that the MK Party is connected to the ANC.

The ANC also asked Khumalo to stop using the logo and trademark.