Cape Argus

Black First Land First open about supporting MKP

- ANITA NKONKI anita.nkonki@inl.co.za

BLACK First Land First (BLF) leader Andile Mngxitama has expressed his support for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, saying that when former president Jacob Zuma announced it, it was easy to know who they would be rallying behind in the elections.

In an interview with author-activist Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, Mngxitama gave his insights on political parties that were likely to do well.

“We sighed with a big sense of relief because he clarified and gave us a progressiv­e option for these elections. And that is why our movement was quick to say we were going to go with uMkhonto weSizwe.”

When asked about his views on the impact of the MK Party in the elections, he said it would be a gamechange­r.

“There is a big opportunit­y, which is that the MK will do well in the elections. And that will force and consolidat­e a left-wing move because, as I see these elections, it’s either a right-wing consolidat­ion, or the DA will collaborat­e with Cyril Ramaphosa to form a right-wing government. Of course, that will be the end of the ANC, but that is a real possibilit­y. And the left side, uMkhonto weSizwe, could become the pole, which would consolidat­e some kind of left consolidat­ion.”

In January, he affirmed to The Star the importance of uniting the forces of the left.

“The leadership of the PAC met with our father (Zuma). This is a great gesture. We must consolidat­e our forces. Imagine if all revolution­ary movements were to have a united front based on a minimum programme like the RET. United, we can defeat Stellenbos­ch,” he said.

Notable poet and activist Ntsiki Mazwai has also lent her support to the party, which is gaining traction across the country.

 ?? ANDILE MNGXITAMA ??
ANDILE MNGXITAMA

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