The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has responded to accusations from the ANC and the EFF that their leader, Jacob Zuma, is a “sellout” following his recent visit to Morocco. 

The controversy stems from Zuma’s expression of support for Morocco’s control over Western Sahara during his visit on July 16, 2025, where the South African flag was displayed alongside the Moroccan flag.

The ANC recently condemned the use of the South African flag in Zuma’s meeting with Moroccan officials, stating it was a “reckless and provocative act” that constitutes a “flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms”. 

The party demanded that Morocco apologise for the incident and called on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest.

During the ANC’s National Working Committee meeting in Cape Town on Sunday, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula accused Zuma of stealing ANC assets to form the MK Party.

Mbalula said Zuma would be remembered for further dividing the ANC, labelling him a “sellout” for his visit to Morocco.

“Zuma is no messiah. He is a sellout. For whatever reason, he is doing this; it is no surprise to us,” Mbalula added.

However, the MKP defended Zuma’s right to visit other African nations, with Treasurer-General Thanti Mthanti highlighting his role as a statesman. 

Mthanti specifically acknowledged Zuma’s efforts in negotiating peace and ending political killings in KwaZulu-Natal during the 1993 conflict between the ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party.

Earlier this week, the MKP released a policy position advocating for stronger bilateral relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco, saying it is a stance that is rooted in shared principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and African unity.

“The MKP’s identity is deeply rooted in the historic Struggle for liberation and dignity in South Africa. Similarly, Morocco’s history is marked by its resistance to colonial domination and its determined pursuit of national unity.

“Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles — South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule.

“In this regard, Morocco has played a pivotal role in supporting South Africa through its fight for liberation. Morocco was the first country to lend financial and military support to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962.”

During his visit to Morocco, Zuma said: “Our party recognises the historical and legal context that underpins Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara.”

The MKP’s policy supports Morocco’s efforts to regain its territorial integrity, viewing it as consistent with the party’s dedication to upholding the sovereignty and unity of African nations.

The Moroccan embassy’s phone rang unanswered on Monday. However, a diplomatic source close to the country defended Morocco, having displayed the South African flag during Zuma’s visit, suggesting that the ANC’s reaction is hypocritical. 

“This diplomatic protest comes as a surprise. The South African flag was visibly displayed, alongside the Algerian flag, during a meeting in December 2023 between the ANC’s secretary-general and Salah Goudjil, the former president of Algeria’s Upper House. The flag was also present during talks between Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and senior ANC officials,” a diplomatic source said.

EFF leader Julius Malema has also criticised Zuma’s position on Morocco, calling it a “sellout position”.

Malema reaffirmed the EFF’s support for the Sahrawi people’s struggle for independence in Western Sahara.

“On the issue of Morocco, that was a complete sellout position,” he said on the sidelines of his court appearance at East London Magistrate’s Court, in Eastern Cape, on Monday. 

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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