The former South African Rainbow Alliance (Sara) leader has bowed out of the party she formed after her ousting from COPE, saying the decision to join the MK Party is due to it providing a platform for young progressive leaders to find a political home.
“I am, as a young woman, taking this step, ready to sacrifice, ready to serve, and looking forward with a mixture of determination, humility, a bit of anxiety and excitement to the untold possibilities that lie ahead.”
“We must offer ourselves to carry on our shoulders the aspirations of our people. As young women we can no longer remain mute and watch from the sidelines of despair on matters affecting our country. Women must rise now, prepared to work, prepared to pay the price.”
Makhubele supported MK’s bid to contest the election outcomes, sharing podiums with Zuma and decrying vote-rigging shortly after the polls.
Her reference to Zuma as her “Moses, uBaba”, who has come to save the black nation, was an early indicator of her move.
“I am conscious and awake to the consequences of this decision and the reality that this will be a ruthless battle with the established order that relentlessly perpetuates harsh attitudes, malicious propaganda and hate narratives towards those who sympathise, stand by and support the progressive movement,” she said.
“I assure you this work of my life will continue in the MK Party. I will not be lost to the communities and South Africans who put their trust and cross behind us. Sara was founded on the basis and principles of consolidation of minority parties and the MK Party seeks to advance this work on a greater platform and must be supported in this critical work.”