Expelled MKP MPs Seek Court Order to Freeze Party and Jacob Zuma’s Bank Accounts

Ousted MKP Members Demand Justice Over Membership Termination, Citing Financial Misuse by Party Leader Jacob Zuma

Ten former Members of Parliament (MPs) from the MK Party (MKP) have filed an urgent court order application in the Johannesburg High Court to freeze the party’s and Jacob Zuma‘s bank accounts. This legal action, initiated by the expelled MPs on November 6, 2024, seeks to protect funds allegedly misappropriated by Zuma before the members’ planned civil damages claim can proceed.

Former MKP MPs Demand Financial Accountability

The expelled parliamentarians—Thamsanqa Kuzwayo, Isaac Menyatso, Citron Motshegoe, Augastina Qwetha, Nomado Mgwebi, Ntombenhle Mkhize, Sydwel Masilela, Frans Mfika, Senzo Dlamini, and Agnes Mogotsi—allege that their sudden expulsion from the MKP in August, only two months after being sworn in as MPs, has left them in financial ruin. The group, in their affidavit, states that the decision to terminate their memberships not only severed their primary income source of R102,000 per month but also negatively impacted their dependents.

According to Kuzwayo, who represents the group, they were promised that funds collected from public contributions to support the MK Party would be used to further the party’s democratic agenda. Instead, they allege that these funds, along with individual payments to Zuma’s personal Capitec bank account, have been utilized for purposes inconsistent with party commitments and the principles they publicly promoted.

Legal Action Aims to Freeze Bank Accounts and Prevent Fund Disposition

In their legal filing, the former MPs assert that the freeze on party funds is essential to prevent Zuma and the MKP from using, moving, or disposing of financial assets during the pending damages claim process. Kuzwayo argued that without this freeze, the MPs and others who contributed financially to the MKP risk being defrauded and losing access to any restitution.

These former MKP representatives, who left other professional roles to commit fully to their parliamentary duties, maintain that they were expelled without proper adherence to due process. They claim that the party’s interim constitution promised democratic principles and transparency, which, according to them, have been disregarded.

Background and Response from MKP

This dispute adds to the legal entanglements surrounding the MKP and Zuma, as the party recently withdrew a separate “vote-rigging” case from the Electoral Court. Zuma, who faces his own legal battles with the ANC over his membership status, has not yet commented directly on the latest case. However, MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela stated he would respond once he had reviewed the court documents.

The ongoing court case and financial claims highlight tensions within South Africa’s political sphere, where allegations of funds misuse and lack of transparency have brought increased scrutiny on the MKP and its leadership.

What’s Next?

The Johannesburg High Court’s response to the former MPs’ application will set a critical precedent on how political funds are managed and protected in South Africa. Should the freeze be approved, it could impact Zuma’s financial maneuverability within the MKP, along with access to public contributions that the expelled MPs argue should be safeguarded for their original purposes.

This case represents a push from former MKP members for greater financial accountability in South African politics, calling into question the role and ethical responsibility of party leaders in the management of funds designated for public service.

Also read: Bongani Baloyi Deregisters Xiluva Party and Joins the MK