Jacob Zuma's party has a structure similar to the ANC and Economic Freedom Fighters, but it does not hold meetings to elect new leaders. (Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)
The Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MK) has formally adopted its first constitution, which party leaders say will establish a firm code of conduct and unify the organization.
The constitution takes effect immediately and empowers party leaders to take decisive action on internal issues, national chairman Floyd Shivambu said at a press conference on Friday.
The party, led by former ANC president Jacob Zuma, was registered in September last year and launched in December, but this is its first attempt to systematize its operations. It has an organization similar to the ANC and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), but it does not hold electoral meetings.
Shivambu said the party's highest decision-making body approved the constitution at the recent National High Command meeting, establishing the basis for the party's internal governance and discipline framework.
Shivambu said the constitution outlines the party's values, principles, standards and operating procedures, including a code of conduct for party members aimed at maintaining discipline and unity.
“The constitution of the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party directs and empowers the national civil servant to appoint a national prosecutor to handle internal prosecutions on behalf of the organization,” he said.
The party also introduced an 11-member internal disciplinary committee to hold party members accountable for violations of the code of conduct. Shivambu said the committee is an important element of the MK Party's commitment to organizational discipline and internal stability.
According to the constitution, “There may be cases where lengthy disciplinary proceedings are not necessary, such as when a member threatens the security of the organization by disrupting a meeting or bringing a firearm to a meeting.''
A strict trial period has been introduced for new members, who will undergo a 24-month evaluation before being formally accepted into the party.
If a party member is found to have seriously violated the code of conduct during this period, party executives have the power to immediately revoke their membership.
Once the probationary period ends, the National Disciplinary Commission is responsible for managing the discipline and conduct of non-probationary members.
Shivambu said this stance on discipline reflects the party's efforts to protect its internal integrity, especially as it welcomes an influx of new members, including high-profile leaders.
This also comes after a number of MPs, who were recalled by the party to make room for a new leader, unsuccessfully took the MK leadership to court.
Shivambu also spoke of what the party called a “parallel structure” within the organization, expressing concern about the presence of multiple leadership factions operating at different levels, which he said undermined unity and order. It is said.
“There are several parallel structures and leadership positions at all levels of the organization. Once leaders are announced at all levels, this will end once and for all. We will not tolerate it and isolate elements that seek to destabilize our movement,” Shivambu said.
Nodding to its growing influence, the MK party has seen an influx of new members, including leaders of smaller parties.
However, this did not sit well with some existing members, with Mr Shivambu urging them to “avoid the pitfalls of gatekeeping and sectarianism”.
Mr Shivambu, who himself left the EFF to join MK, said new members and leaders were appointed to various leadership roles at all levels of the party, and that all organizations were directed to follow the decisions of the higher bodies. said.