Former South African president and MK Party leader Jacob Zuma has launched a scathing attack on the African National Congress (ANC), accusing the governing party of abandoning its original mission and failing to improve the lives of black South Africans.
Speaking to supporters during a Youth Day gathering in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, Zuma claimed that the ANC’s current leadership had drifted away from the party’s founding principles. Addressing a crowd at Mayine Sports Ground, he argued that the ANC had neglected the interests of the black majority and was responsible for the continued poverty experienced by millions of South Africans.
Zuma told supporters that many black South Africans remain trapped in poverty despite more than three decades of democracy. He alleged that the ANC leadership had become disconnected from ordinary citizens and had aligned itself with interests that do not prioritise the welfare of the country’s black population. According to Zuma, this shift had contributed to growing economic inequality and frustration among communities that once strongly supported the ANC.
The former president used the occasion to explain why he decided to establish and support the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party after his fallout with the ANC. He argued that the new political movement was created because the ANC had failed to fulfil its promises to the people and had lost sight of the values that guided the liberation struggle. Zuma maintained that the MK Party would focus on addressing poverty, unemployment and economic exclusion.
A significant portion of Zuma’s speech focused on race and economic ownership in South Africa. He claimed that wealth remained concentrated in the hands of a minority and suggested that political decisions made over the years had contributed to this reality. Zuma encouraged supporters to rethink their voting choices and back political organisations that he believes are committed to advancing the interests of black South Africans.
Despite the controversial nature of some of his remarks, Zuma insisted that his message was not motivated by hatred or division. Instead, he said his goal was to advocate for economic justice and to restore opportunities for communities that continue to face hardship. He told supporters that the struggle for meaningful economic freedom remains unfinished and requires strong political leadership.
The former president also made several promises related to education, a key issue highlighted during Youth Day commemorations. He said an MK Party-led government would work to ensure that no child is denied access to education because of financial difficulties. Zuma argued that investing in education is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for future generations.
His comments come at a time when political parties are intensifying their campaigns ahead of the upcoming local government elections. Issues such as unemployment, inequality, poverty and economic transformation continue to dominate political debates across the country. Zuma’s speech is expected to further fuel discussions about race, economic justice and the future direction of South African politics as parties compete for voter support in the months ahead.
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