Jacob Zuma trial

Former South African president Jacob Zuma gestures to his supporters as he appears at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban on April 6, 2018, for a brief preliminary hearing on corruption charges linked to a multi-billion dollar 1990s arms deal. (AFP PHOTO / POOL / Felix Dlangamandla)

Mazibuye Emasisweni: Could a new pro-Zuma party split the ANC vote?

Zuma’s die-hards mean business.

Jacob Zuma trial

Former South African president Jacob Zuma gestures to his supporters as he appears at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban on April 6, 2018, for a brief preliminary hearing on corruption charges linked to a multi-billion dollar 1990s arms deal. (AFP PHOTO / POOL / Felix Dlangamandla)

Guess who’s back? Perhaps not yet in person, but the spectre of Jacob Zuma still looms large over South African politics. Mazibuye Emasisweni are a political force ready to fight for their chosen one.

Speaking to EWN yesterday, ME have announced their intentions to properly launch the organisation within two weeks. They’ve already shared a few candid details about a possible manifesto, too:

Who are Mazibuye Emasisweni?

Make no mistake, these guys are still very much hung-up on the ex-president. Party member Frank Fakude claims that ME will be made up by members of the church, business figures, traditional leaders and even some full-time ANC members.

Spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo appeared on SAfm Radio earlier on Thursday morning and explained that his party want the land returned to “traditional leaders and the indigenous kings and queens” of South Africa.

What does Mazibuye Emasisweni mean?

It is a message that encourages a “returning” of some kind. With their party having a large focus on land, the name derives from their primary objective of land redistribution.

Will Jacob Zuma lead Mazibuye?

Fakude told EWN on Wednesday that they haven’t yet made contact with the former ANC chief. However, he remains optimistic that Zuma has learned of their existence through “word of mouth”.

This may not be an official return to politics for JZ himself, but the cult of personality he’s established in KwaZulu-Natal most certainly lives on.

The ANC cannot simply dismiss this threat. Zuma has always had his loyal followers and since his departure, a number of them have felt politically homeless. Mazibuye Emasisweni could prove to be their favoured destination.