The ANC has vowed to appeal the Durban High Court ruling dismissing its application to have the Jacob Zuma led uMkhonto weSizwe party from using the current logo which the ruling party alleges is its own trademark.
Monday’s ruling is a third crucial court case won by the new party having previously had the electoral court reverse an IEC decision to stop Zuma from standing as a candidate and had the same court thwart an ANC attempt to deregister MK.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula briefed the media on Monday and expressed confidence the Durban High Court decision could be overturned on appeal.
“The ANC intends to appeal the judgement of the High Court of South Africa, in Durban. The ANC will be appealing the matter to stop and prohibit the unlawful use of the ANC’s trademarks, symbols, and heritage by Mr. Zuma’s party currently refers to itself as the Umkhonto weSizwe Party,” said Mbalula.
The MK has vowed to turn every court appearance into a campaign platform and on Monday morning founder and party Commander Jabulani Khumalo addressed supporters alongside other MK leaders shortly after the ruling.
“This democracy stands on the shoulders of men and women who joined uMKHONTO weSIZWE, The Spear of the Nation, at a time when being associated with the ANC was virtually a death sentence. The ANC was and is to this day the heart and soul of uMKHONTOweSIZWE. We strongly believe an appeal is duly warranted,” said Mbalula.
“The Secretary General said the ruling party no longer regard Zuma as a member as he has now “formed and is leading a party through which he now stands against the ANC”.
“Meanwhile Khumalo said the court challenges against MK are meant to destruct it from campaigning for a “2 third majority” which he said was achievable.
“We want to focus on talking to voters to give us 2 third majority so that we can change the laws and reclaim the land. We know that the court cases are meant to make us lose focus and we are happy that we won today,” said Khumalo.