Fifty-eight MK Party Members of Parliament have officially been sworn in.
The members took their oaths of office in the National Assembly today.
The party previously boycotted the first sitting of the assembly, which also saw the re-election of President Cyril Ramaphosa as the Head of State.
They expressed their dissatisfaction with the election result, claiming that the 2024 elections were rigged and called for a revote.
The MKP has clarified that their decision to be sworn in today does not signify an acceptance of the May 29 elections.
“The MK Party steadfastly maintains that the elections were marred by massive election irregularities, rigging, and outright fraud. We are continuing to challenge these results through appropriate legal channels.”
“Moreover, the MK Party does not recognise the legitimacy of the previous parliamentary sitting, during which Cyril Ramaphosa of the DA-ANC coalition was elected as President.”
They also want the first sitting of the National Assembly to be declared unlawful.
Impeached Western Cape Judge President, John Hlophe, will be leading the party in Parliament as its Chief Whip.
Amongst the MPs who took their oaths are former President Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the party’s spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndlela, former minister Des van Rooyen and Black First Land First (BLF) President, Andile Mngxitama.
Hlophe says they will continue challenging the election results in the courts.
“The fact that we are participating in the National Assembly should not be construed as an indication we have abandoned the legal actions. We are convinced that the elections were rigged, that is our case, and the case has been taken to the appropriate forums.”
Addressing MPs, Hlophe said they are in the legislature to work and not play petty politics.
“We are going to engage in a very robust debate but in a respectful manner, but please make no mistake that we will not allow ourselves to be bullied.”
Hlophe has also clarified that Zuma remains the party’s president and he will lead the party in the National Assembly.
He shares Zuma’s sentiments that the current ANC is not the one they know, particularly under the leadership of Ramaphosa.
“This is not the ANC which fights for poor people, landless people, it is a different ANC altogether.”
Scenes in parliament as MK Party members were being sworn in pic.twitter.com/Ef8016NbC3
— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (@MkhontoweSizwex) June 25, 2024
UMkhonto Wesizwe in parliament today.
Gwaza Mkhonto! pic.twitter.com/uBi65Acohx
— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (@MkhontoweSizwex) June 25, 2024
Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza
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