In a bold declaration, Bonginkosi Khanyile, the unofficial youth leader of the nascent uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, cautioned ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula against issuing warnings to his party regarding the appropriation of the MK moniker.

Addressing his followers during a demonstration at the Durban city hall this past Friday, Khanyile rallied his party members to mobilize en masse on March 5th to protest against the ANC’s position on the matter.

“The gloves are off … We are tired of the white monopoly capital of Cyril Ramaphosa and Fikile Mbalula. The MK [name] is ours and Jacob Zuma’s,” Khanyile proclaimed.

Emerging into the political limelight through his involvement in the Fees Must Fall movement, Khanyile aligned with MK following his expulsion from the Patriotic Alliance in December.

He articulated a clear demand for the permanent employment of individuals engaged in the expanded public works programme, alongside echoing the party’s stance on the nationalization of key sectors.

“South Africa belongs to black people. We want the land that was stolen by Jan van Riebeeck to be returned to the people. White people today are pretending that this is their country. The white people are guilty because they benefited from apartheid and colonialisation,” Khanyile vehemently stated.

He expressed frustration over the lack of response from city officials during protests, highlighting the ineffectiveness of interactions with inexperienced municipal representatives.

Khanyile voiced his confidence in the party’s potential to secure a two-thirds majority in the upcoming May 29 elections.

Water Crisis in eThekwini Region

Gugu Mathonsi, representing MK in the eThekwini region, raised concerns about ongoing water scarcity, emphasizing the fundamental human necessity of water for basic living activities.

“Water is a basic human need. Without water we cannot do anything and it means that our basic human right is taken away. We cannot cook and bathe and our children are turned away from schools as a result,” Mathonsi highlighted.

The party has proposed several measures to address the water crisis, including the introduction of prepaid water meters, the insourcing of water tankers, and the implementation of comprehensive water testing protocols.

Mathonsi attributed part of the water service challenges to recent flooding events, calling for immediate municipal action to repair damaged infrastructure.

The city has been given a 14-day ultimatum to fulfill these demands.

Khanyile’s Defiant Messages

Khanyile’s statements underscored a determined opposition to what he perceives as the monopolistic control exerted by key figures within the ANC and the broader socio-economic system.

“Fikile Mbalula Says MK belongs to them, MK belongs to Jacob Zuma MK Party belongs to Black People” “We are in a war against white monopoly in the form of Cyril Ramaphosa and Fikile Mbalula and the ANC NEC”

Bonginkosi Khanyile, the MK Youth Leader, declared, setting a tone of defiance and a call to action for his followers.

Summary of Key Points

• Bonginkosi Khanyile’s Warning: A firm rebuke to Fikile Mbalula over the MK name.
• March on Durban: A significant turnout is urged to contest the ANC’s stance.
• Employment and Nationalization Demands: Calls for permanent jobs and control over major sectors.
• Land and Identity: A push for the restitution of land and acknowledgment of historical injustices.
• Water Crisis Action: Urgent demands for resolution to eThekwini’s water supply issues.

This unfolding narrative presents a vivid tableau of activism, political challenge, and the quest for justice and equity, marking a pivotal moment in South Africa’s ongoing socio-political discourse.