Watch: ‘ANC until I die’ – Zuma’s explosive declaration at MK rally

Former president Jacob Zuma has reignited questions about his political allegiance after declaring that he would remain an ANC member until his death, despite leading the rival uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

Zuma made the declaration on Sunday, 1 November, while addressing thousands of supporters at the MK Party’s final election rally at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Durban, ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections.

“I will be an ANC member until I die,” he told the cheering crowd, in remarks that highlighted the longstanding contradiction between his attachment to the governing party and his leadership of its political rival.

“I will be an ANC member until I die,” said Jacob Zuma, President of the uMkhonto WeSizwe Party.

He was addressing MK Party supporters at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Durban where the party held its final election rally ahead of the opening of polls tomorrow. TCG https://t.co/CHww5Xrpz3

EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) November 1, 2026

Zuma also launched a fierce attack on the Government of National Unity (GNU), accusing its partnership with parties representing white interests of undermining South Africa’s liberation struggle.

Speaking in isiZulu, he warned that the country was “dying a second death” and vowed that the MK Party would fight to dismantle the coalition arrangement.

“They killed us. We will not allow them to kill us again. We will fight until we end the GNU,” he said.

Zuma also expressed confidence in the MK Party’s electoral prospects, predicting that it would take control of several municipalities.

“In a few days we will be taking back our country. In a few days we will be taking back our land. We will be in charge of many municipalities. No matter what other people say or do, we are ready,” he said.

The rally marked Zuma’s first major public appearance since he was hospitalised in October after collapsing in uMsinga, KwaZulu-Natal.

The 84-year-old was admitted to Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg on 6 October and spent some days receiving treatment before being discharged on 17 October.

His return to the campaign trail was welcomed by thousands of supporters who gathered at the stadium, with Zuma thanking South Africans who had wished him well during his illness.

“I want to thank all South Africans who wished me well when I was sick. I felt your prayers. You kept me alive,” he said.

[WATCH] MK Party leader Jacob Zuma addresses speculation surrounding his health and possible arrest. He assured supporters that they should not be afraid, saying the party is currently governing and will continue doing so. #Newzroom405 https://t.co/xzp77FX1kx

Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 1, 2026

The rally was the MK Party’s final major campaign gathering before the local government elections.

The party, which was formed in December 2023, is contesting its first local government elections.

Zuma’s latest ANC declaration comes against the backdrop of his expulsion from the party in July 2024 after the ANC accused him of violating its constitution by campaigning for the MK Party during the general elections.

In February 2026, Zuma had vowed to fight for the restoration of his ANC membership, even threatening legal action, while expressing hope that the ANC and MK Party could eventually merge.

Despite the expulsion, Zuma has repeatedly maintained that his decades-long association with the liberation movement cannot simply be erased.

His latest remarks therefore place the spotlight once again on the complicated relationship between the former president, the ANC and the breakaway party he now leads.

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Picture: Gallo Images / Fani Mahuntsi

Source: African Insider / Betha Madhomu