MEDIA STATEMENT:
INTRODUCTION:
uMkhonto weSizwe held the first meeting of the National High Command (NHC) for the year 2025 from Tuesday, 25 March to Friday, 28 March 2025. The meeting was attended by all Officials of uMkhonto weSizwe, members of the National High Command, and, for the first time, included the Conveners and Coordinators of Provinces, as well as representatives from the MK Women’s League, MK Youth League, and MK Students’ Movement. Also in attendance were the Chairpersons of the NHC Committees, serving in their capacity as Committee Chairs.
The National High Command concluded its meeting on Friday, 28 March 2025 by deploying all NHC members to support the by-elections in KwaDukuza and Pongola. We extend our gratitude to the people of Ward 2 in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal, and Ward 1 in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, for casting their votes in support of the MK Party.
We celebrate the 60% victory of the MK Party in the recent by-elections in KwaDukuza, marking a decisive end to the ANC’s long-standing dominance in the ward. This victory is a clear reflection of the growing confidence our people have in the MK Party’s vision and leadership. While we did not secure Ward 12 in Pongola, we are greatly encouraged by the support of over 1000 voters who stood with the MK Party.
The National High Command takes note of the fact that the year 2025 marks the 70th Anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter by the Congress of the People. The Freedom Charter remains one of the most important rallying points and strategic visions for all genuine liberation movements in South Africa. The Congress and the Mass Democratic Movement mobilised the entirety of South African society, the people of the African continent, and the international community behind the vision of the Freedom Charter. The Freedom Charter shaped and continues to influence the politics of South Africa, historically including the Treason Trial, the banning of Black political parties, the formation of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, the formation of uMkhonto weSizwe as the liberation army, the formation of uMkhonto weSizwe the political party and movement and many other significant developments. At the core of uMkhonto weSizwe’s strategic objectives is the unwavering commitment to realise the full aspirations and vision of the Freedom Charter, which, among other commitments, declares:
1. The national wealth of our country, the heritage of South Africans, shall be restored to the people;
2. The mineral wealth beneath the soil, the Banks and monopoly industry shall be transferred to the ownership of the people as a whole;
3. Restrictions of land ownership on a racial basis shall be ended, and all the land re-divided amongst those who work it to banish famine and land hunger;
4. The state shall help the peasants with implements, seed, tractors and dams to save the soil and assist the tillers;
5. All shall have the right to occupy land wherever they choose;
6. No-one shall be imprisoned, deported or restricted without a fair trial; No one shall be condemned by the order of any Government official;
7. The courts shall be representative of all the people;
8. Imprisonment shall be only for serious crimes against the people, and shall aim at re-education, not vengeance;
9. All who work shall be free to form trade unions, to elect their officers and to make wage agreements with their employers;
10. The state shall recognise the right and duty of all to work, and to draw full unemployment benefits;
11. Men and women of all races shall receive equal pay for equal work;
12. There shall be a forty-hour working week, a national minimum wage, paid annual leave, and sick leave for all workers, and maternity leave on full pay for all working mothers;
13. The aim of education shall be to teach the youth to love their people and their culture, to honour human brotherhood, liberty and peace;
14. Education shall be free, compulsory, universal and equal for all children; Higher education and technical training shall be opened to all by means of state allowances and scholarships awarded on the basis of merit;
15. Adult illiteracy shall be ended by a mass state education plan;
16. All people shall have the right to live where they choose, be decently
housed, and to bring up their families in comfort and security;
17. Unused housing space to be made available to the people;
18. Rent and prices shall be lowered, food plentiful and no-one shall go hungry;
19. A preventive health scheme shall be run by the state;
20. South Africa shall be a fully independent state which respects the rights and sovereignty of all nations;
21. South Africa shall strive to maintain world peace and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation – not war; 22. Peace and friendship amongst all our people shall be secured by upholding the equal rights, opportunities and status of all;
It is important that we use this opportunity to remind the people of South Africa and the world of the original vision behind the struggles of our people. 70 years after its adoption by the people of South Africa, the Freedom Charter remains the beacon of hope and the meaningful torchbearer towards true freedom and emancipation. The Freedom Charter remains relevant and important despite the fact those who were originally and historically mandated to realise its objectives have since abandoned the Freedom Charter.
It is necessary, important and vital to emphasise that the struggle remains incomplete, as the vast majority of its objectives have not yet been achieved. In his many cogent and clear political interventions and guidance, our CommanderGeneral and Founder of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, President Jacob Zuma, has consistently emphasised that uMkhonto weSizwe exists to complete the unfinished and incomplete struggle—one which, among other goals, seeks to fully realise the aims and objectives of the Freedom Charter.
The National High Command appreciated the political and ideological consistency of President Jacob Zuma, who, throughout his political life, has fought relentlessly for the full attainment of the Freedom Charter’s objectives. This consistency was demonstrated in 2017 when, as Head of State and President, he addressed the National House of Traditional Leaders and stated: “We need to accept the reality that those who are in Parliament, where laws are made, particularly the black parties, should unite because we need a two thirds majority to effect changes in the Constitution… We can’t fight over nothing and not deal with the real issues… and waste time, instead of creating the legal institutions to address the problems we have of inequality, poverty and unemployment.”
We elevate this statement, and will continue to elevate many other political interventions made by President Zuma, including the fact that during his tenure as Head of State and President, he did everything within his power, despite both internal and external sabotage to advance the realisation of the Freedom Charter’s aims and objectives. In his entire political life, President Zuma has never turned his back against the Freedom Charter. He is amongst the few if not the only one of his generation to defend and advance the ideals and mission of the Freedom Charter. He was imprisoned for the Freedom Charter and was also exiled because of the Freedom Charter.
One of the most significant outcomes of the National High Command meeting was the initiation of an expansive and organic political, ideological, and organisational discourse on how the MK Party will take power on behalf of, and for, the people of South Africa. To guide this critical work, the National High Command identified five priority areas that will shape our discussions on state power. To drive this political focus effectively, the NHC resolved to establish five priority focus areas that will enrich and guide our internal and external discussions on the MK’s rise to power:
a) MK’s Revolutionary Path to State Power
b) Domestic Strategic and Tactical Alliances
c) International Strategic and Tactical Alliances
d) Financing the Revolution
e) The Character and Conduct of an MKP Revolutionary
The NHC discussed the terms of reference for each of the mentioned areas of focus. These terms of reference will be expanded into comprehensive political positions of uMkhonto weSizwe. All structures of uMkhonto weSizwe at all levels are commanded to at all given political and organisational moments, to discuss our path to power, and identify both strategic and tactical alliances in their levels, also discuss how we should legitimately finance the revolution, and the character and conduct of MK revolutionaries.
Whilst appreciating the immediate task of building uMkhonto weSizwe as a formidable political party with functional structures at Voting District, Ward, Sub-regional, regional, provincial, and national levels, the NHC resolved on building and fostering the MK as a revolutionary movement. As a movement, the MK shall associate with and lead the following key components:
a) Aligned Women national organisation.
b) Aligned Youth national organisation.
c) Aligned students’ organisations.
d) Sympathetic and aligned workers’ unions in all sectors.
e) An aligned civic organisation that exists in almost all communities.
f) Aligned military veterans’ wing.
g) Aligned dominant organisation for almost all traditional leaders.
h) Aligned interfaith organisations and movements.
i) Sympathetic mega churches and religious institutions.
j) Sympathetic public intellectuals and opinion makers.
k) Aligned civil society organisations.
In the period until our 2nd meeting of the NHC and as part of building the MK as a revolutionary movement, the National Officials will embark on the following key tasks:
a) Strengthening of the MK Women and Youth Leagues.
b) Strengthening of the MK Students’ Movement.
c) Appointment of the leadership of the MK Inter-Religious Movement.
d) Establishment of a national organisation for all traditional leaders.
e) Establishment of a desk for people with disabilities.
f) Establishment of a desk for Professionals.
g) Formalisation of the relationship between the MK and the Progressive
Civics Congress (PCC).
h) Finalisation of our unity talks with the African Transformation Movement.
i) Continued discussions with other progressive political formations to build unity.
These actions are part of a the broader strategic mission to build uMkhonto weSizwe as a movement, and not a small political party. This arises from the objective appreciation that unless and until the MK Party leads a broader movement, our hegemony will not be thoroughly exerted across all spheres of society. Provincial, regional, sub-regional, and ward structures of the MK must identify, characterise, and build sound relationships with all major Black organisations, formations, and societies—including religious institutions, civic organisations, civil society formations, and all structures where our people are organised.
The MK National High Command has begun the process of politically and ideologically characterising all political formations in South Africa, and of developing a strategic view that among them exist enemy forces, contested opponents, and inconsequential role players. Our characterisation of the former liberation movement (ANC) is that it remains a contested opponent, not yet an enemy force, despite its current political and ideological disposition and its alliance with enemy forces. The majority of Black political formations are potential strategic allies to the MK, as they largely advocate for policies and political positions similar to those of the MK.
The MK’s characterisation of the domestic (South African) balance of forces is that it currently favours the forces of progressive change, as led by uMkhonto weSizwe. We firmly maintain that the results announced following the 2024 general elections do not represent the will of the people. We also believe that the so-called Government of National Unity does not reflect the popular will. These logical observations, alongside empirical evidence at our disposal, continue to inspire and guide our legal challenge to the announced election results, which we believe do not reflect the true democratic choice of the people.
The MK is currently in a pole position to lead and unite all progressive forces into a common political programme aimed at achieving total liberation and emancipation. Guided by our principles of unity, ubuntu, Pan-Africanism, honesty, and respect, the MK is confident that it will forge the necessary strategic and tactical alliances to safeguard our revolutionary and popular path to State power.
1. REGIONAL AND CONTINENTAL RELATIONS.
The National High Command resolved to deepen engagement with revolutionary movements and governments across Africa, including the Polisario Front (Western Sahara), Sahel nations, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and African diplomatic missions in South Africa. In relation to the ongoing stalemate between Western Sahara and the Kingdom of Morocco, the MKP will play an active role in seeking and mediating a permanent solution between Western Sahara and Morocco. In this regard, the MK will engage with the Polisario Front, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), and the Kingdom of Morocco to seek a permanent and lasting solution to the current impasse. We pay particular attention to the Sahara because 2025 marks exactly 50 years since the dispute over whether Western Sahara is wholly part of Morrocco, or an autonomous region of Morocco, or an independent nation. President Jacob Zuma and the MK leadership will visit the Kingdom of Morocco and engage with all parties involved with the aim of bring stability and permanent solution.
These efforts aim to strengthen Pan-African solidarity, advance continental decolonisation, and continental economic integration and resist growing neo colonial and imperialist influence. The MK’s analysis of continental politics and developments are not done for the sake of it, but as a mechanism to guide concrete actions and programme which the organisation must purposefully pursue. The international relations committee of uMkhonto weSizwe will establish focus groups which will pay detailed attention to all the regions of the African continent and constantly guide the leadership on the developments in the continent.
The NHC congratulates he Republics of Ghana and Namibia for holding successful elections and undergoing peaceful transitions of power. President Mahama’s election as President of Ghana on the 7th of December 2024 will break Ghana from the chains of neo-colonialism and puppetry that defined the country under his predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo. By all measure and standards, Nana Akufo-Addo was a colonial stooge who reversed and looked down on the spirit of pan Africanism as promoted by the first President of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah.
The NHC specifically appreciated and celebrated that the Republic of Namibia elected its first female President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The NHC also celebrates that Namibia’s Speaker of Parliament, Saara Kuugongelwa is female; Deputy President Lucia Witbooi is female, and Minister of Finance Ericah Shafudah is female, and the overall composition of the National Executive has a balanced gender representation. This represents a decisive shift in the politics of the African continent and the world, which are disproportionately dominated and controlled by males. We also appreciate the fact that the leadership of Namibia is anti-imperialist and pan Africanist in character. In our celebration of democratically elected presidents and heads of state, we as MK unequivocally associate with the revolutionary overthrow of puppet neo colonial regimes and governments particularly in the SAHEL region of the African continent. The revolutionary overthrow of governments in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Gabon is fully embraced and the leadership encouraged to introduce reforms and radical changes that will be break those countries from neo colonialism and imperialism. The MK will openly and decisively associate with Mali’s Assimi Goita, Niger’s Abdourahamane Tiani, Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traore, and Gabon’s Brice Oligui Nguema. The MK will openly associate with and support all the anti-colonial movements in the African continent and will take practical steps to build and solidify our relations with progressive forces in the continent and the world.
The MK Party expressed concern over the ideological decline of some former liberation movements, now aligned with neo-liberal and imperialist forces. However, the MK will continue to engage all former liberation movements through revolutionary dialogue, unless such engagements compromise MKP principles or proof to be futile. Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the MK Party reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with the Congolese people and their sovereign right to peace, unity, and territorial integrity.
The NHC condemned the ongoing destabilisation and neo-colonial exploitation of Congo’s vast natural resources and committed the MKP to playing an active political and diplomatic role in supporting a peaceful, united, and independent DRC free from imperialist influence and military takeover.
2. GEO-POLITICAL POSTURE OF MKP
The MK Party recognises that the current global balance of forces is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from an outdated unipolar world order, dominated by Western hegemony towards a more just and inclusive multipolar reality. This shift is marked by the growing influence of progressive nations and movements that advocate for sovereignty, non-alignment, and economic justice—forces with which the MKP firmly aligns itself. Reaffirming its ideological orientation, the MKP has resolved to actively support a multipolar global order, the de-dollarisation of international trade, and greater solidarity and economic relations among nations of the Global South.
To this end, the party will intensify its relations with BRICS+ countries, particularly Russia and China, which represent alternatives to Western neo imperialist paradigms. The MKP unequivocally rejects the agendas of traditional Western powers, particularly those rooted in imperialism, exploitation, and militarism. The United States continues to exhibit an aggressive neo-colonial posture as evident in its military support for the Zionist State of Israel and its ongoing interference in South Africa’s internal affairs. The MKP remains vigilant, analysing these hegemonic manoeuvres and their broader implications for African sovereignty and the global South’s future.
3. POLICY WORKSTREAMS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUBSTANTIAL POLICY POSITIONS OF THE MKP.
The National High Command resolved on the establishment of Policy Workstreams on key pillars identified and established in the MKP’s People’s mandate. The policy workstreams are:
a) RECLAMINING OUR DIGNITY— b) RECLAIMING THE LAND AND MINERAL RESOURCES—
c) RECLAIMING PEOPLE’S POWER
d) RECLAIMING OUR ECONOMY
e) BUILDING OUR HUMAN CAPITAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY
f) RECLAIMING OUR SPACES
g) RECLAIMING OUR SAFETY AND SECURITY
h) RECLAIMING OUR SOVEREIGNTY AND POSITION IN AFRICA AND THE WORLD.
Each workstream will be led by members of the National High Command, and will also be composed of the following representatives:
a) Members of the National High Command (NHC)
b) Members of Provincial Detachments.
c) MK Public Representatives.
d) Representatives of the MK Women’s League (MKWL)
e) Representatives of the MK Youth League (MKYL)
f) Representatives of the MK Students’ Movement (MKSM)
g) Representatives of the MK Inter-religious Movement (MKIRM)
h) Representatives of Traditional Leaders
i) Representatives of Professionals.
j) Representatives of People with Disabilities.
k) Representatives of ex-combatants and military veterans.
l) Experts in different and relevant fields.
The workstreams will extensively and expansively discuss and deliberate on the draft policy positions which were tabled in the NHC, enrich them and prepare comprehensive presentations for the upcoming Policy Conference of uMkhonto weSizwe. The NHC raised concerns about reactionary and racially motivated narratives pushed by groups such as AfriForum and Solidarity. The MKP will launch a robust media campaign, including programs like demonstrations, legal and parliamentary programs, to counter attempts at secession and division, such as the Western Cape’s purported independence agenda. This campaign willreaffirm the MKP’s national vision of safeguarding the ancestral land of our people and defending South Africa’s sovereignty against imperialist and neo colonial agendas.
4. PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES.
The NHC affirmed the principle that all representatives of uMkhonto weSizwe in Parliament, the National Council of Provinces, and Municipality Councils are deployees of the organisation and must always work within organisational mandates, accountability and reporting. Deployees are not a separate structure of uMkhonto weSizwe, but deployees who must seek mandate from the organisation in all their work, programmes and activities.
MK Public Representatives are guided to significantly upgrade and improve their functions, roles, and character as representatives of the legitimate majority in South Africa. In the National Assembly, the MK must demonstrate its capacity as the leader of the official opposition and must illustrate the organisation’s capacity to be an alternate government. The levels and quality of debate, interventions, oversight and leadership must significantly improve.
Because the MK is slowly but surely gaining momentum in the Local government space, we have resolved to establish a dedicated Local Government Desk which will give strategic support to all our Councillors and begin the work of preparing the organisation for efficient and effective leadership of Municipalities from 2026 onwards. The MK will outrightly win majority of Municipalities in the 2026 Local Government Elections and the Local Government Desk will start with work towards this inevitable reality.
5. ELECTIONS CAPACITY.
Recognising elections as the primary instrument through which the MK Party seeks to attain state power, the National High Command resolved to significantly strengthen the Elections Unit. This will include the appointment of dedicated provincial and regional election coordinators under the direct leadership of the National Head of Elections to improve coordination, foster synergy, and ensure efficient allocation and sharing of resources. The NHC further resolved that the Head of Elections must be fully supported through enhanced human resources, expanded logistical capacity, including access to vehicles, campaign materials, and supporting infrastructure.
The organisation is currently assembling elections campaign vehicles including elections trucks, and we should work towards ensuring that each province has a minimum of 1 elections truck of uMkhonto weSizwe.
6. VAT INCREASE CAMPAIGN
The NHC has resolved to spearhead a vigorous and principled campaign against the proposed increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), both within the parliamentary arena and across society through grassroots mobilisation. Outside of Parliament, the party must lead impactful, sustained mass mobilisation programmes to reject the VAT hike and expose its devastating impact on the poor. Within Parliament, the MK must present clear, well-researched, and credible fiscal alternatives that demonstrate how government can raise revenue without resorting to regressive taxation that deepens the crisis of poverty and inequality.
7. COUNTERING ZELENSKY VISIT
The MK Party strongly condemns Mr Ramaphosa’s misguided decision to extend an invitation to Volodymyr Zelensky, a figure widely discredited among progressive and non-aligned nations. The MKP views this move as a clear alignment with European imperial interests and an affront to South Africa’s historical position of non-alignment and anti-imperialism. Accordingly, the party has resolved to formally oppose any official visit by Zelensky to South Africa. In response, the MKP will organise a counter-demonstration and other means to express unwavering solidarity with the Russian Federation, while denouncing NATO-led militarism, Western proxy conflicts, and the broader agenda of global destabilisation driven by imperial hegemony.
8. EXPEDITED DISCIPLINE.
Acknowledging that revolutionary discipline is the cornerstone of organisational cohesion and integrity, the NHC raised concern on the prolonged delays in handling disciplinary cases, noting that such inefficiencies breed instability, undermine cohesion, and encourage impunity within organisational structures.
Henceforth, monthly disciplinary reports must be submitted to the Secretariat by the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC). Furthermore, all regions and provinces are directed to adhere to the party’s Code of Conduct, with swiftness on those who undermine the Code.
Furthermore, the SGO is tasked with ensuring the rolling out a national training programme on disciplinary procedures and ethical leadership.
9. POLICY CONFERENCE.
Acknowledging the critical importance of finalising the party’s strategic and policy direction, the National High Command (NHC) has resolved that a National Policy Conference be convened in August 2025. This landmark conference will serve as a platform to consolidate, rigorously debate, and formally adopt the MK Party’s overarching policy frameworks. Central to this process will be the development of a comprehensive National Programme of Action (POA), which will guide the party’s strategic posture and activities toward the 2026 Local Government Elections. Policy proposals will not only emanate from all structural levels of the MK Party (from Voting Districts to Provincial Detachments) but also from NHC sub-committees, leagues, national officials, provinces, and aligned progressive forces, including faith-based bodies, traditional leaders, and trade union movements.
10. JG ZUMA LECTURE.
To elevate its significance and ensure it is truly all-encompassing, the JG Zuma Lecture has been moved from the initial date of 12 April 2025 to the new date of 26 June 2025, deliberately coinciding with Freedom Charter Day. This strategic alignment is intended to symbolise the fusion of South Africa’s historic struggle for liberation with the current revolutionary path being pursued by the movement. Preparations will commence immediately to secure high-level participation, including esteemed international guests, and to drive extensive mobilisation and political education across all nine provinces in the lead-up to the event.
11.FINALISATION OF PROVINCIAL STRUCTURES.
The National High Command (NHC) instructed the Secretariat and all provincial NHC deployees to urgently prioritise and complete the outstanding provincial formations in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. These two provinces hold strategic importance due to their unique demographics, rich histories of resistance, and growing electoral relevance. Their full integration into the MKP’s national organisational framework is critical for consolidating party unity, enhancing grassroots mobilisation, expanding political influence, and ensuring the MK Party is well-positioned to deliver decisive electoral victories in future contests.
12.CONCLUSION
The organisation stands at a pivotal and delicate juncture in its evolution. A phase that will define its trajectory and legacy for generations to come. This critical period demands the highest levels of discipline, unity, and composure from its leadership collective. As custodians of the movement’s vision and values, leaders must lead by example, understanding that their conduct directly shapes the culture and behaviour of the broader membership. When leadership exudes unity, clarity, and commitment to principle, the membership will mirror that spirit. Conversely, signs of ill-discipline, infighting, or personal agendas will inevitably sow confusion and division among the ranks.
Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) is uniquely positioned to play a historic role in uniting indlu emnyama, the broad mass of our African people behind a shared vision of liberation, dignity, and radical transformation. But that mission will only succeed if the organisation itself reflects the unity and moral leadership it seeks to inspire in society. Without this, the people will lose faith and drift away from the movement, weakening the prospects of true national renewal.
Let us therefore rise to the moment with humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the revolutionary path before us.
