By Celani Sikhakhane
- MK Party members must get permission from top officials before visiting Jacob Zuma at his Nkandla home.
- The strict new rules have angered party members, with some leaving the organisation in protest.
Leaders of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) can no longer freely visit their leader Jacob Zuma at his Nkandla home without getting permission first.
Rule 10 of the party’s constitution has caused anger among leaders and founding members, leading some to leave the party.
“All public representatives of the MKP are strictly forbidden from seeking direct meetings and consultations with the President before consultation with the officials of the organisation,” the rule states.
Members must first speak to the Deputy President, Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, National Organiser, National Chairperson, Deputy National Chairperson or Treasurer General before meeting Zuma.
The party has also made other strict rules. Members of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures are not allowed to sleep during meetings.
Rule 11 says MPs and MPLs cannot read speeches that haven’t been approved by the Whippery. The party wants to avoid surprise speeches during Parliament debates.
MKP members of Parliament must also submit at least five accountability questions to the executive and the Whippery assigned for questions.
Many party members are angry about these rules. They believe visiting Zuma in Nkandla is more important than talking to other party leaders of the High National Command.
Pictured above: uMkhonto weSizwe Party leaders banned from visiting Jacob Zuma in Nkandla.
Image source: uMkhonto weSizwe Party
