MK Party supporters gather in Soweto to celebrate Jacob Zuma’s 83rd birthday

MK Party supporters gather in Soweto to celebrate Jacob Zuma’s 83rd birthday! Supporters of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party began assembling early in Soweto on Friday to celebrate the 83rd birthday of the party’s founder and leader, Jacob Zuma. The event, held at the Protea South multipurpose hall, forms part of a series of national celebrations honoring the controversial former president’s life and political legacy.

Zuma, who officially turns 83 on Saturday, remains a deeply polarizing figure in South African politics. Despite facing legal troubles and enduring criticism over his tenure as head of state, his popularity has surged in some quarters—particularly among those disillusioned with the ruling African National Congress (ANC). For his supporters, Zuma represents a symbol of resistance and a continuing struggle for economic liberation.

Celebrations Across the Country

The birthday commemorations are not limited to Soweto. The MK Party has organized multiple events across the country, with KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) expected to host the largest rally. It’s in KZN where the MK Party made the most significant electoral gains during the 2024 general elections, unseating the ANC as the most supported political party in the province.

In Soweto, dozens of supporters, clad in the MK Party’s green, black, and yellow regalia, filled the venue with music, chants, and celebratory spirit. The atmosphere was festive, resembling the kind of birthday gatherings Zuma used to host during his time as president and senior ANC figure—except now, he’s rallying support from outside the party he once led.

A Hero to His Supporters

For MK Party members and loyal followers, the birthday is not just about candles and cake. It is about recognizing the role Zuma has played in South Africa’s liberation history and, more recently, his effort to “rescue the country” through the founding of the MK Party.

Sindiswa Mthembu, one of the supporters at the event, said Zuma deserves recognition despite the controversies that have shadowed his political career.

“Whatever he did, whatever happened, he’s been fighting throughout his life,” she said.
“Unfortunately, now again, we are losing the country. Being a hero, being a person who is focused on liberating his people, he started this party to bring back our land.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Fikile Masina, another attendee, who emphasized the importance of honoring Zuma while he is still alive.

“I think it’s very much important so that our future generations see that uBaba was celebrated while he was still alive,” Masina said.

Party Leadership to Deliver Keynote Address

The highlight of the day’s events is expected to be a special lecture to be delivered by MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu. The lecture will focus on Zuma’s political journey, his impact on the liberation movement, and his vision for South Africa’s future under MK Party leadership.

Party insiders say the speech will also address the MK Party’s next steps following its strong electoral performance and outline how it plans to further entrench itself in the country’s political landscape.

Zuma’s Continued Influence

Zuma’s enduring influence in South African politics has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing corruption charges, a constitutional court ruling leading to his 2021 imprisonment, and widespread media scrutiny, he has managed to rebrand himself as a political outsider fighting for justice.

His supporters argue that his efforts to form the MK Party were not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to continue the fight for economic justice, land reform, and the reclamation of state power by the people.

The 83rd birthday celebrations mark not only a personal milestone for Zuma but also a symbolic moment for the MK Party—a relatively new political force that is rapidly growing in influence and momentum.

As the celebrations continue into the weekend, one thing is clear: for Zuma’s supporters, age has not dimmed his legacy, and his name continues to inspire a movement seeking to redefine South Africa’s political future.