Some political experts say the expulsion of some Umkhonto Wisizwe (MK) party leaders will not affect the next general election. This comes after the party's national leadership announced the expulsion of Jabulani Khumalo and four other party members who registered with the party in September last year.
The party said in a statement that attempts by outside forces to destabilize the MK party prompted the decision.
After appearing in court earlier this month, Zuma made it clear that the current leadership was interim. Mr Zuma was clear that there was still much change in the party.
He warned them about the competition for leadership positions.
“If you get out of hand, we'll get rid of you. People who use money to force us to do what we want, we think we don't know, and (we) know better.” ”
Now that the party is not shying away from taking action, the question is whether this will negatively impact how it is received as election day approaches.
Political analyst Levy Ndou explains: “Losing members or expelling members at such an early stage, at such a critical time in the run-up to elections, should be worrying for the MK party in the sense that it is necessary now. This is so that certain people can make their mark in elections. But on the other hand, they would prefer a situation where there are political parties, rules and regulations, which are not followed, and everyone can do what they want. ”
Another political analyst, Thobani Zikalala, said he did not think there would be a major impact.
“For me, I think it is not good in terms of the way the party is organized, but the fact that everyone who appears to be connected to the party is connected mainly because former president Jacob Zuma was there. Remember, the people who brought in so many people are still there, so I don't think it will have much of an impact on whether the people you expel get expelled or not.”
It is unclear at this point whether those expelled from the party will take any legal action.
Five MK members expelled: Thobani Zikalala also shares his opinion: