The founder of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, Jabulani Khumalo, has found himself at odds with Parliament ahead of Friday's much-anticipated sitting. Parliament has made it clear that they are not in contact with Khumalo, effectively shutting him out of the proceedings.
Despite a statement from the MK Party stating that its members would not attend the debut sitting, Khumalo confirmed that he would be present. This announcement has sparked a wave of confusion and speculation surrounding the upcoming session, as tensions rise between Khumalo and the political party he founded.
In a public statement released on Monday, Khumalo boldly declared, "I, Jabulani Khumalo, am making this public statement in my capacity as the leader of uMkhonto weSizwe." However, it seems that Parliament has chosen not to acknowledge his leadership role within the party.
Moloto Mothapo, the spokesperson for the National Assembly, clarified the situation in an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika. Mothapo stated, "There are certain individuals, leaders as per the IEC (Electoral Commission of South Africa) list that we as Parliament are compelled, or we have identified as the people we can communicate with on behalf of the party. We are continuously in communication with those leaders."
He further added, "We have not received the communication from Mr Khumalo, and we can say Mr Khumalo is not on the list of people that we are communicating with, on behalf of their parties." Mothapo remained tight-lipped about the specific individuals Parliament is in contact with regarding the arrangements for MK party parliamentarians.
The MK Party, which secured over 14% of the national vote, is now facing the prospect of boycotting the first sitting of the National Assembly. Citing voting irregularities, the party plans to interdict the session, asserting that it should not have been scheduled in the first place.
The situation surrounding Khumalo's exclusion from parliamentary discussions has added fuel to the fire. With his case before the courts, Parliament seems to be adhering to the legal proceedings and awaiting a verdict before engaging with Khumalo.
