Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leaderJacob Zuma. | Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
Durban — The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is preparing to mark its first anniversary with a grand gala dinner that promises to be an extravagant affair.
However, sitting next to MKP leader former president Jacob Zuma at a table dubbed the “platinum spear” will set one back by R2 million.
The gala dinner will take place at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on December 16, a day after the party’s official first anniversary at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban – where the party is pulling all the stops to fill the iconic stadium.
Individual seats are priced at R66 000, with the cost for sitting further back reaching R25 000.
The prestigious "platinum spear table" is available for R2 million, containing 30 seats. Other tables include the golden spear table at R15m for 25 seats and the silver spear table at R1m for 20 seats.
"Purchasers of gala dinner tables will receive complimentary suite tickets for the mass public celebration suites, ensuring a seamless and exclusive experience throughout the celebrations," read the statement from the party.
In the landscape of South African politics, such fundraising events often serve as a gateway for business leaders and prospective tender bidders to foster relationships with key political figures.
However, the MK Party stands apart, lacking direct governmental influence after failing to lead the KZN provincial government despite securing 45% of the votes, resulting in the party bagging 37 seats in the KZN provincial government with 80 seats.
The MKP – led as secretary-general by former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu – does not run any municipalities as the party will contest its first local government election in 2026.
Alongside Zuma, the MKP is helmed by notable leaders, including deputy president John Hlophe, who is the impeached former Judge President of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, and former Transnet chief executives Siyabonga Gama and Brian Molefe.
Other known figures who have recently joined the MKP include former EFF national chairperson advocate Dali Mpofu and the erstwhile Public Protector advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
With an eye on collapsing the IFP-led coalition government in KZN, the party is strategically positioning itself to tap into a substantial annual budget of over R150 billion, potentially reshaping its future and that of South African politics.
As the gala approaches, it remains to be seen whether the MKP Party can leverage its growing profile and Zuma's enduring popularity to solidify its place in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
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