Durban – The MK Party has rejected claims linking its leader, former president Jacob Zuma, to the July 2021 unrest and the planned 30 June anti-illegal immigration protests, calling the allegations baseless political propaganda.
The party says the reports rely on anonymous sources and are intended to damage Zuma’s reputation, insisting he has consistently called for peace and lawful political conduct.
“President Zuma has repeatedly called for peace, discipline and lawful political activism. Any attempt to link him to unrest without a shred of credible evidence is a deliberate act of political mischief designed to tarnish his name and reputation,” said MK party national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu.
“The MK Party rejects these insinuations with the contempt they deserve and calls on media houses to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness and accountability instead of providing a platform for anonymous rumour and political smear campaigns.”
The statement follows media reports suggesting discussions among sources close to Zuma about possible unrest, which the MK Party strongly denies.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has warned that authorities will act firmly against any threats to public safety during the planned 30 June protests, with the SANDF on standby if needed.
Government officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, have also cautioned against misinformation, xenophobia, and attempts to incite disorder, amid rising tensions over immigration enforcement and planned demonstrations.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
