The Umkhonto Wesizwe MK Party has firmly denied allegations that it is funded by alleged diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg, dismissing claims made by former Police Minister Bheki Cele during his appearance before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating police corruption.
Cele’s explosive testimony before Members of Parliament on Thursday alleged that MK Party leader Jacob Zuma has financial ties to Liebenberg, a controversial businessman currently facing serious criminal charges.
However, the MK Party insists that the allegations are politically motivated and designed to tarnish its reputation ahead of crucial political developments.
MK Party Responds to Bheki Cele’s Accusations
According to MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela, the claims made by Bheki Cele are “baseless, malicious, and completely unfounded.” He emphasized that the party has no financial or political relationship with Louis Liebenberg and accused Cele of spreading misinformation to score political points.
“Cele’s allegations are entirely baseless and malicious. As a former Minister of Police, Mr. Cele had both the authority and the responsibility to act on any such information if it were true. His failure to do so exposes these claims as nothing more than reckless political posturing intended to mislead the public,” said Ndlela.
The MK Party maintains that its operations are fully transparent and compliant with South African political funding laws. Ndlela added that the party’s financial records are above board and open to scrutiny from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) if required.
The name Louis Liebenberg has become synonymous with scandal in recent years. The businessman, who has long been linked to diamond trading and investment ventures, is currently behind bars facing racketeering and fraud charges.
The charges relate to an alleged R4 billion investment scheme, which authorities have described as one of South Africa’s largest financial scandals. Prosecutors accuse Liebenberg of defrauding investors and operating an elaborate pyramid-like investment network disguised as a legitimate diamond trading business.
Given these serious allegations, Cele’s claims that the MK Party or its leader Jacob Zuma could have financial connections to Liebenberg have triggered intense public interest — and skepticism from the MK Party’s supporters.
The MK Party has not only rejected the allegations but also questioned Bheki Cele’s motives for raising them now. Party officials argue that Cele, who recently left his Cabinet position after a government reshuffle, is attempting to stay politically relevant by attacking high-profile figures such as Jacob Zuma.
“This is nothing more than a desperate attempt by Bheki Cele to divert attention from his own failures as a former Minister of Police,” said Ndlela. “Instead of addressing the rampant corruption that occurred under his watch, he is now fabricating stories to defame the MK Party.”
Political analysts have also noted that tensions between Cele and Jacob Zuma date back to the early 2010s, when both men served in senior government positions. Those historical political rivalries, according to some commentators, may explain the renewed friction between the two.
The MK Party, launched by former South African President Jacob Zuma, continues to present itself as a political force focused on economic transformation, social justice, and anti-corruption. The party has repeatedly emphasized that it operates independently and relies on legitimate donations and grassroots funding from supporters across the country.
In a recent statement, the party reiterated its commitment to transparency:
“The MK Party is a movement of the people, funded by the people. We are not beholden to any business interests or individuals under investigation. Our focus remains on advancing the will of ordinary South Africans and holding the current government accountable.”
The MK Party leadership believes that such allegations are part of a broader campaign to discredit the movement, especially as it continues to gain traction among voters dissatisfied with the ruling party.
Cele’s claims have stirred significant debate on social media, with supporters of both the MK Party and Bheki Cele exchanging heated opinions. Some political observers suggest that the allegations could either damage the MK Party’s credibility or galvanize its supporters, who often view such attacks as politically motivated.
Meanwhile, watchdog organizations have urged Parliament to verify the claims through official investigations rather than public speculation. The IEC has the authority to review political party funding sources, and such a probe could either clear the MK Party’s name or raise new questions about transparency in political financing.
Despite the allegations, the MK Party appears undeterred. Its leaders insist that the movement remains focused on its mission to challenge corruption, reform governance, and empower South Africans.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the MK Party’s handling of this controversy could play a defining role in shaping public perception — and its future in South African politics.
Source- EWN
