A flurry of activity on SA’s political scene
AN UPSURGE in political activity has been keeping people glued to the news as a number of controversial events play out in the run-up to the general elections.
This week has been nothing short of spectacular, with highlights including the conflict between the DA and Blade Nzimande, Jacob Zuma’s political presence, the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) “border war”, the ANC’s 112th birthday and its secretary-general Fikile Mbalula.
While the ANC has begun celebrations in Mpumalanga, opposition parties have increased their visibility in confronting various issues impacting the country.
Thousands of ANC supporters are expected to make their way to Mbombela Stadium, where President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver his keynote address on Saturday.
Other controversial news is the newly launched uMkhonto weSizwe Party, led by Zuma, as it continues to introduce itself in different communities.
It was announced that the party would conduct nationwide grand parades to promote itself in urban hubs and densely populated areas on Saturday, coinciding with the ANC’s birthday.
The political rivalry between the ANC and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party has seen Mbalula speak about the former president publicly, admitting that during the Zuma presidency, the ANC had defended him in Parliament during the Nkandla upgrade scandal, saying that the swimming pool at Nkandla was a “fire pool”.
“The Constitutional Court, chaired by Mogoeng Mogoeng, issued a judgment against Jacob Zuma, but the ANC stood by him.
“Zuma now says he can’t stand President Cyril Ramaphosa,” Mbalula said in a video clip.
Social media has also been buzzing with controversial stories that have made headlines, including the PA’s attempts to monitor the borders.
Defence Minister Thandi Modise slammed the party’s border patrol, saying that this is the work of the SANDF, police, and the Border Management Authority.
Meanwhile, DA leader John Steenhuisen announced urgent action to hold Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Dr Blade Nzimande accountable for the NSFAS’s alleged corruption, with claims that Ramaphosa is failing to address this.