JOHANNESBURG - uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party supporters want to see former president Jacob Zuma, whose health could become a hurdle for the party as it heads into the local government elections.
Supporters want to see the party’s leading figure front and centre as the elections approach.
Zuma was admitted to Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg last week following a routine check-up. Initial reports indicated that he was under the care of the surgeon-general.
eNCA learnt that Zuma was discharged but was advised by his medical team to remain in the Pietermaritzburg area overnight in case of a medical emergency.
The MK Party has experienced several high-profile dismissals and reshuffles. Political analyst Professor Musa Xulu believes these changes could leave the party vulnerable in the event of Zuma’s death.
Zuma has appointed his son, Duduzane Zuma, as his heir apparent to take over the party should he die.
READ: Zuma's hospitalisation raises questions over MK Party's election campaign
“Jacob Zuma is a traditionalist,” Xulu said, drawing parallels with traditional leadership structures in which sons are positioned to succeed their fathers.
“He does not grasp the sophistication of giving it all away to members of the political party,” Xulu said.
While Zuma may have a succession plan, Xulu believes the former president is not prepared for the fallout that could follow his departure.
Xulu said Zuma had removed people in positions of authority who thought independently of him, while appointing others to positions for which they might not be qualified.
He said tensions could emerge within the party because many of its members did not respect one another.
“They are only together because all of them are Zuma’s people,” Xulu said.
He argued that members who owe their positions to Zuma could struggle to accept a future without him at the helm.
Zuma is expected to attend the party’s launch in Mbombela on Sunday. He was unable to attend an event in Mhlatuze because of his health.
Supporters were dissatisfied after attending the event expecting to see Zuma, whom Xulu describes as the personality holding the party together.
“It looks like MK Party supporters are only interested in seeing Zuma on stage, dancing and talking,” Xulu said.
Xulu believes Zuma’s inability to appear at campaign events in Mbombela and other areas ahead of the elections could upset supporters and pose a challenge for the party.