Mystery guest: Why is Zuma billed to address AAAM gathering?

A surprise addition to the line-up of speakers at an All African Alliance Movement (AAAM) gathering set to take place in Soweto on Friday, 5 January, is none other than former president Jacob Zuma.

Zuma will be addressing AAAM members at the community hall in White City. 

The MK Party, which has taken over communications for the former president, has confirmed that Zuma would be delivering a speech at the gathering. The party did not provide the motivation or reason for Zuma’s appearance at tomorrow’s event.

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Zuma to address AAAM members

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, however, told The Citizen that the former president has indicated that he also plans to engage with religious and traditional leaders as political parties embark on the road to the 2024 elections.

“The president did indicate that he would be engaging with religious leaders, churches, traditional leaders and other society groups and this is part of that,” he said.

In a video circulating on social media, a woman wearing an AAAM T-shirt with Zuma’s face can be seen chanting: “Viva MK Party! Viva AAAM! Our president is back to give power to the people.”

The AAAM party was founded in 2022 mainly by church leaders and is principled on the values of justice and equality.

It has spoken openly of endorsing former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng as its presidential candidate. Mogoeng has also spoken of presidential ambitions.

The Citizen reached out Mogoeng and AAAM party spokesperson Phumla Lebepe for comment on Zuma’s presence at tomorrow’s gathering. Any update will be included, once received.  

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‘Neutralise’ Zuma?

Despite his vocal support for the MK Party, Zuma is still a member of the ANC.

The Mail & Guardian has reported that the ANC allegedly tasked former health minister Zweli Mkhize and Zuma’s ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to try and “neutralise” Zuma.

ANC member policy

According to ANC policy, all members are required to campaign for the party.

The former president is expected to be the face of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal because of his stature in the party.