Advocate Dali Mpofu has recently disclosed his involvement in the creation of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) alongside former President Jacob Zuma, a process he reveals had been quietly unfolding for over a year. The MKP, led by Zuma, was officially launched in December 2023 in Soweto, Johannesburg, and registered with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in September of the same year.
MK Party Strategic Discussions and Planning
In an exclusive interview with SABC, Mpofu shared the extent of his role in the party’s formation, describing how he and Zuma were initially the only ones aware of the project.
“Absolutely, for a few months as I say there was a time where it was just me and former President Zuma who knew about this,”
Mpofu admitted, emphasizing his central involvement in driving MKP’s progress.
The advocate explained that plans to establish MKP were initially set in motion after the African National Congress (ANC) conference in 2022, where he and Zuma discussed potential avenues for change within South Africa’s political landscape. These discussions extended over an entire year, underscoring the depth and commitment behind the project.
“Former President Zuma and I were the only people who knew about this project of MK Party formation. We had discussed after the 2022 conference of the ANC, very in-depth as to what needs to be done. We had various options,”
Mpofu noted, further revealing that these talks had taken place in secret until the party’s formal unveiling in December.
A Unified Vision for Broader Decolonisation
Mpofu’s recent departure from his position as chairperson within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also captured public attention. This news, which surfaced last Thursday, marked his official alignment with the MKP, a move Mpofu explained stemmed from MKP’s alignment with his vision for decolonisation and social transformation. He has characterised MKP as a “true liberator” that could address the nation’s challenges more effectively.
The decision to step away from the EFF was not made lightly. According to Mpofu, he kept the EFF leadership fully informed throughout the planning stages of the MKP, wishing to ensure transparency with his political affiliations and avoid any conflict or “double games” between the two organisations.
“This discussion took about 12 months, so by the time you attended the launch in December of MK, this had been a project that was in the pipeline in the underground as he revealed,”
Mpofu shared, highlighting the deliberate and confidential nature of MKP’s development.
Collaboration Across Political Lines
According to Mpofu, leaders from various political entities, including the EFF, ARETA, PAC, UDM, ATM, ACP, and Azapo, were approached and involved in discussions regarding the future direction of MKP. He described how Zuma’s vision attracted interest and participation from a spectrum of political figures, suggesting that the MKP’s establishment was intended to serve as a unifying force for change beyond traditional party lines.
Dali Mpofu’s Departure from the EFF Without Conflict
Mpofu’s departure from the EFF was amicable, and he clarified that there is no “bad blood” between himself and the party, including its leader, Julius Malema. By maintaining open communication with EFF leadership, Mpofu aimed to ensure that his exit would not create divisions or tension.
“As he bowed out, Mpofu said there was no bad blood between him and the EFF, particularly leader Julius Malema.”
