The legal battle between the African National Congress (ANC) and uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the former armed wing of the ANC led by ex-President Jacob Zuma, has ended in a significant victory for MK.
Despite the ANC’s arguments that MK had violated trademark laws by using its name and logo, the Durban High Court ruled in favor of MK, allowing them to continue using the name “uMkhonto we Sizwe,” which translates to “Spear of the Nation.”
This victory is crucial for MK, especially as they gear up for the general election scheduled for 29th May. Supporters of Jacob Zuma celebrated in court after the judgment was announced.
Last month, the ANC faced another setback in its attempt to block MK from participating in the election when the court ruled that MK had met the necessary registration criteria.
The name and logo of uMkhonto we Sizwe carry immense political symbolism due to the role the armed wing played in the struggle against white-minority rule in South Africa.
Although the new MK party might not stand a high chance of winning the election, its presence could impact the ANC, which is facing the possibility of losing its outright majority in parliament for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Jacob Zuma, a former ANC stalwart and member of its armed wing, served as South Africa’s president for nine years from 2009.