Can uMkhonto weSizwe survive post Jacob Zuma?

CapeTalk's Clarence Ford interviews Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy at Nelson Mandela University.

Listen below:

It seems clear that Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is here to stay.

Their recent victories include securing Ward 11 in Mzumbe, Ward 28 in Kwa-Dukuza, Ward 110 in eThekwini, and a crucial by-election win in Ward 18, Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Mngomezulu points to two key factors driving the MKP’s rising popularity in KZN.

First, many have made the 'very big mistake' of assuming that Zuma's departure from government caused him to lose his charisma.

Second, rival parties like the ANC and IFP, which might have posed serious challenges to the MKP, are now grappling with their internal issues.

"If you undermine Zuma, you do so at your own peril."

- Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy – Nelson Mandela University

This raises an important question: Can the MKP survive after Zuma?

Mngomezulu hopes the party will learn valuable lessons from the IFP's struggles following the death of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

He says that the IFP is grappling with uncertainty about its future and how to redefine itself without Buthelezi at the helm.

Mngomezulu wonders whether the structures within the MKP are strong enough to maintain its momentum or if the party will collapse without Zuma's leadership.

"I hope the MK Party withdraws lessons and tries to circumvent that and then be ready for that particular time when it comes, because it will come."

- Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy – Nelson Mandela University

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.