Ahead of what could be the most significant election in the nation’s past 30 years, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa is challenging the independent electoral authority and a rival political party headed by a former president, exposing tensions in the country.

The African National Congress (ANC) claims that the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (Spear of the Nation) party failed to register in September. The election court in the nation’s heartland, Bloemfontein, heard the case on Tuesday.

Led by former ANC leader and South African president Jacob Zuma, the new party, dubbed MK, may be deregistered and unable to run in the May 29 national elections. Several MK officials threatened to start a “civil war” and declared they would not tolerate being disqualified.

Using the name of the ANC’s now-disbanded military wing, which Nelson Mandela had formed, MK sows discord within the party.

In separate legal actions, the African National Congress (ANC) is contesting the use of the name uMkhonto weSizwe and a logo that is very similar to that of its former military component due to copyright infringement.

Zuma’s choice to back MK has given the fierce competition a new dimension. In recent months, the two parties have insulted one other. The leaders of the new party were referred to as Zuma’s “chihuahuas” by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, who dubbed Zuma “the most destructive person” to South Africa’s democratic progress.

Due to accusations of corruption, Zuma was removed from office as South Africa’s president in 2018. He is presently being tried for corruption, however the proceedings have been delayed for a long time. He has been a harsh opponent of Cyril Ramaphosa, the current president of South Africa, and the African National Congress (ANC).

Mr. Zuma’s ANC membership was suspended for openly endorsing Mr. MK. Both he and Mbalula were present in the Electoral Court on Tuesday.

After the racial segregation system of apartheid ended in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) ruled South Africa for 30 years. However, this year’s election is likely to be its most difficult test to date.

According to many surveys, the ANC will experience its first-ever majority loss and will need to form a coalition to maintain power.

Although South Africa has a legislative form of government, the president is also the head of state and has executive authority. The practice is uncommon among heads of state in nations with parliamentary systems, which are frequently led by prime ministers and have a separation of powers.

The most recent survey, which was carried out in February and March, indicates that MK, which has a strong following in Zuma’s home province of KwaZulu-Natal and is predicted to gain popularity there, might emerge as the third largest party in South Africa during its first national election.

The ANC has refuted claims that the lawsuit is a response to Zuma and MK’s political threat.

South Africans are also upset by MK’s response to the legal action, especially by remarks made by KwaZulu-Natal party official Visvin Reddy. “Listen to me very carefully,” Mr. Reddy said in a speech earlier this month. “This country will descend into civil war the day MK is not allowed to campaign and be on the ballot. No one will vote. No one in this country will vote. We will make sure of it.”

Source; https://www.africanews.com/2024/03/19/south-africa-anc-takes-new-opposition-party-to-court/