African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, accuses the judge in the uMkhonto Wesizwe trademark case of playing politics instead of considering facts about the ownership of the organization. African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, accuses the judge in the uMkhonto Wesizwe trademark case of playing politics instead of considering facts about the ownership of the organization.
After the ANC failed to contest the inception of the registration of the MK party, the High Court in Durban dismissed their case.
The ANC has indicated that it plans to appeal the judgment.
Mbalula says the issue of the trademark and uMkhonto Wesizwe goes beyond an election.
“We are arguing the issue of the trademark, not the politics that the judge is talking about.The judge must stay away from politics and dismiss our case due to lack of authority. These things are not the same, we are not arguing MK vs ANC. We are saying MK is ours, here is the trademark, he doesn’t refer to that in the judgment.”
ANC to appeal
The MK Party says it feels vindicated by the judgment. Party leaders and supporters were in a jovial mood after the court ruled that the party could continue to use its name and logo. MK supporters say the outcome will strengthen their voice and campaigns as they canvass for votes ahead of the upcoming general elections.
However, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal says it intends to appeal the judgment. The party says the case was a matter of principle for them.
