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Zapu rekindles ties with SA's Umkhonto Wesizwe
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ZAPU (Zimbabwe African People's Union) leader Sibangilizwe Nkomo has reaffirmed the strong historical bond between his party and South Africa's Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) following their participation in the MK anniversary celebrations. The event, which took place on December 16, 2023, marked the relaunch of MK as a political party, led by former South African president Jacob Zuma.
The MK, originally founded on December 16, 1961, as the military wing of the African National Congress (ANC), broke away from the ANC in 2023 and has since participated in South Africa's 2024 general elections, denying the ANC a governing majority. Nkomo, whose party had close ties with MK during the liberation struggle, attended the event to express solidarity and reflect on their shared history.
"We had gone there to express our solidarity for their work and that of breaking away from the African National Congress, which no longer represents the wishes of the people of South Africa," Nkomo said. "This also reminds us of our breaking away from ZANU-PF after the Unity Accord in 2008. There is a lot in common with ZAPU, Zipra, and MK led by President Jacob Zuma that we can share."
Nkomo highlighted the deep historical connections between MK and ZAPU, emphasizing that both groups fought together in Zambia during the liberation struggle against colonialism, imperialism, and apartheid. He noted that despite the successes of the liberation movements, the full independence they had fought for has not been realized, even in post-apartheid South Africa.
"We came back to our respective countries hoping that we were going to give the nations their full independence," Nkomo remarked. "This did not happen, and even in South Africa, it is the same thing. People are still in search of true independence."
ZAPU had a military alliance with MK's predecessor, the ANC's military wing, which was formed when MK needed assistance to traverse Zimbabwe during their missions to South Africa. This led to the creation of a joint military unit, which became the Luthuli Detachment at their Dan-nang base. The late former vice president Phelekezela Mphoko initially served as the camp commander, followed by John Dube, commonly known as Charles Ngwenya, with the late Chris Hani as his deputy.
The commemoration of MK's anniversary and the ongoing collaboration between ZAPU and MK serve as a reminder of the enduring commitment to the values of liberation, independence, and sovereignty that both parties share.
The MK, originally founded on December 16, 1961, as the military wing of the African National Congress (ANC), broke away from the ANC in 2023 and has since participated in South Africa's 2024 general elections, denying the ANC a governing majority. Nkomo, whose party had close ties with MK during the liberation struggle, attended the event to express solidarity and reflect on their shared history.
"We had gone there to express our solidarity for their work and that of breaking away from the African National Congress, which no longer represents the wishes of the people of South Africa," Nkomo said. "This also reminds us of our breaking away from ZANU-PF after the Unity Accord in 2008. There is a lot in common with ZAPU, Zipra, and MK led by President Jacob Zuma that we can share."
"We came back to our respective countries hoping that we were going to give the nations their full independence," Nkomo remarked. "This did not happen, and even in South Africa, it is the same thing. People are still in search of true independence."
ZAPU had a military alliance with MK's predecessor, the ANC's military wing, which was formed when MK needed assistance to traverse Zimbabwe during their missions to South Africa. This led to the creation of a joint military unit, which became the Luthuli Detachment at their Dan-nang base. The late former vice president Phelekezela Mphoko initially served as the camp commander, followed by John Dube, commonly known as Charles Ngwenya, with the late Chris Hani as his deputy.
The commemoration of MK's anniversary and the ongoing collaboration between ZAPU and MK serve as a reminder of the enduring commitment to the values of liberation, independence, and sovereignty that both parties share.
Source - southern eye
