In a dramatic turn of events, ousted members of parliament from the Umkhonto WeSizwe Political Party (MKP) are challenging their recent expulsion in court. According to court documents filed in the Western Cape Division of the High Court, these MPs allege that their resignations were fabricated to make way for Floyd Shivambu and other members who recently defected from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
The ousted members, led by Thamsanqa Fortunate Kuzwayo and Isaac Kaleboe Menyatso, are set to appear before the court on August 21, 2024, at 08:00 to seek legal redress. They argue that their removal from parliament was orchestrated in a deliberate ploy to terminate their membership in favor of accommodating EFF defectors. This, they assert, was done without their consent or knowledge, constituting a severe breach of democratic principles.
The Alleged Plot
The court papers reveal that the former MKP MPs suspect that their resignations were part of a larger political maneuver aimed at creating vacancies for high-profile political figures, particularly those who left the EFF. Among them is Floyd Shivambu, who has been at the center of the controversy surrounding his exit from the EFF and now seems poised to assume a role within the MKP.
The documents state, “The only inference to be drawn is that my and the second applicant’s purported resignation had been fabricated to pave the way for the termination of our membership and removal from parliament to allow Floyd Shivambu and other former EFF members to replace us.”
This assertion underscores the suspicion that the MKP has deliberately pushed out its existing members to bring in those with strong ties to other parties, raising questions about the integrity and autonomy of political appointments within the party.
The Legal Challenge
The applicants are seeking urgent relief from the court to halt the swearing-in of new MKP members until the legitimacy of their removal can be properly scrutinized. They contend that their dismissal from parliament not only violates their rights but also undermines the principles of fair representation and transparency in the party.
Their legal argument rests on procedural grounds, where they argue that their ousting violates Rule 6 (12) of the Uniform Rules, which prescribes specific regulations for the application proceedings of this nature. By contesting the process, they aim to expose the manipulation allegedly carried out by party leaders to engineer their removal in a manner that lacks accountability.
Background on the Defection from EFF
This courtroom showdown comes on the heels of significant defections from the EFF, where members, including Shivambu, have departed to pursue new political alignments. The political landscape in South Africa has been in flux, with multiple parties grappling with internal splits and leadership battles.
The EFF has seen key figures leave its ranks amid discontent with leadership decisions and growing concerns over the direction of the party under Julius Malema. Floyd Shivambu, a former senior EFF leader, was among those who exited the party, triggering speculation about his next political move.
His arrival in the MKP, however, has caused friction, particularly among the party’s incumbent members who now find themselves unceremoniously ousted to make room for the incoming defectors.
Political Ramifications
The court case raises broader questions about the integrity of internal party politics in South Africa, with growing concerns over how political power is consolidated and distributed. The move to replace existing MKP MPs with former EFF members suggests a reshuffling of allegiances and power dynamics, which could have far-reaching consequences for both parties.
If the court rules in favor of the ousted MPs, it could lead to significant upheaval within the MKP, possibly resulting in the reinstatement of the removed members or even triggering a wider investigation into party practices.
As the court hearing looms, all eyes are on the Western Cape Division of the High Court, where the outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how political disputes within South African parties are resolved moving forward.
This case presents a pivotal moment for South African politics, particularly for the MKP and the EFF. With the applicants pushing back against what they describe as a fabricated resignation scheme, the court’s decision could have a lasting impact on party politics and the future composition of parliament.