Jabulani Khumalo, the axed founder of South Africa’s MK Party, has suffered another legal setback as the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ordered his name to be removed as a signatory of the party’s bank account.
The court ruled Khumalo’s conduct was unreasonable and he must pay the costs of the party’s application, including punitive costs. The MK Party welcomed the judgment, claiming Khumalo is funded by party detractors.
Khumalo has been involved in several court battles with his former party since his expulsion in April. The party’s interim spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, stated that Khumalo’s efforts were “well-funded by enemies of the MK Party,” suggesting indirect donations from the ANC.
This latest legal defeat follows Khumalo’s unsuccessful attempts to be reinstated as an MP and to overturn the Electoral Commission’s decision to substitute him with former president Jacob Zuma.
The case highlights ongoing internal conflicts within South Africa’s political landscape as parties prepare for upcoming elections.