By: Natasha Archary

Over the weekend the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party launched their election manifesto at a rally in Soweto, where party leader Jacob Zuma addressed the crowd in isiZulu.
Many say they felt excluded from Zuma’s address because they are not Zulu speaking, and the discussion on Siz the World on Monday, 20 May addressed whether this was an oversight on the former President’s part or a good political tactic.
Supporters of Zuma and the MK Party showed up in their numbers, filling up the Orlando Stadium, to listen to Zuma’s address during which he spoke about bringing about real economic change.
Zuma’s address was delivered almost 100% in isiZulu, and he focused his manifesto predominantly on the unemployed and people living in poverty.
“He was not only speaking in isiZulu, but he was speaking directly to a certain demographic, the unemployed and there’s always been speculation surrounding the MK Party being a tribalist party.
Being formed in KZN, having its stronghold in KZN, whether or not you believe that is entirely up to you, but strategically for him to target his messaging specifically to those people he knows will support him may actually be a good thing.”
However not everyone agreed that Zuma’s address in strictly isiZulu was a good move because it ostracized people who are not Zulu-speaking but who came out in support of the former President of South Africa.
Listen to the conversation on Siz the World:
Zuma’s manifesto rally in Soweto was held before the ConCourt ruled that he is not eligible to run in the upcoming elections.
Just 9-days before South Africans take to the polls on 29 May to cast their votes in the National and Provincial elections, Zuma’s candidacy for office has been abruptly halted.
This after the Electoral Commission appraoched the apex court for clarity on Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution.
Following his 2021 conviction for contempt of court, Zuma was given a 15-month prison sentence by the Constitutional Court.
Seeking clarity on the Electoral Court setting aside its decision against Zuma and the MK Party, the Electoral Commission confirmed an urgent and direct appeal will be lodged.
On Monday, 20 May the ConCourt brought Zuma’s dreams of running for office to an end by concluding that Zuma can only run for President after 5-years because of his prior conviction.
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