AfriForum and MK Party Hold Constructive Talks on Constitutional Reform and Community Development
On 12 October 2024, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel met with MK Party leader and former President Jacob Zuma in a dialogue described by Kriel as “very constructive.” The meeting, initiated by AfriForum, covered a range of topics that intersect constitutional policy, cultural rights, and rural development.
Key Issues Discussed
According to a post Kriel shared on X (formerly Twitter), the conversation focused on four main areas:
- The MK Party’s proposal to repeal Section 235 of the South African Constitution, which enshrines the right to self‑determination.
- The value of mother‑tongue teaching in schools and its impact on learner outcomes.
- Promoting mutual respect between South Africa’s diverse cultural communities.
- Exploring agricultural development initiatives within traditional communities, including joint ventures between white and black farmers.
Kriel emphasized that further meetings are planned to build on the initial exchange.
Context on Section 235
Section 235 of the Constitution states that “the right of self‑determination of any community sharing a common cultural and language heritage, within a territorial entity in the Republic or in any other way, may not be denied.” Despite being part of the Bill of Rights since 1996, the provision has never been activated through legislation or judicial interpretation, leading the MK Party to label it “dormant, undefined and legally ineffective.”
The party argues that, in practice, the clause has been invoked to justify racially exclusive enclaves rather than genuine self‑determination. In a statement to eNCA, MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the section “must never be distorted to justify exclusion or division under the guise of ‘self‑determination.’”
Perspectives from Both Sides
AfriForum maintains that it operates outside party politics, focusing on long‑term solutions for future generations. Kriel reiterated this stance, noting:
“As a civil society organization, AfriForum remains outside party politics. We work for the next generation, not the next election. We are committed to finding solutions to the challenges facing the country and all its people.”
Ndhlela acknowledged AfriForum’s initiative, confirming that the MK Party welcomed the dialogue. He added that Zuma is known for engaging with anyone who seeks constructive conversation.
Criticism of AfriForum’s International Outreach
Ndhlela also raised concerns about AfriForum’s recent trip to the United States, where the organization received support from the U.S. government. He suggested that such outreach could have been pursued domestically first:
“It is unfortunate that AfriForum traveled to the US and received the support of the US government… when in fact it should have engaged South Africans in a way that they are now engaging with us.”
Despite this critique, Ndhlela highlighted a positive outcome of the meeting: Kriel proposed a programme where white and black farmers would collaborate on agricultural projects. The MK Party spokesperson described the idea as a “progressive engagement” that aligns with the party’s non‑racist ethos.
Moving Forward
Both parties signaled a willingness to continue the dialogue. AfriForum plans to follow up with additional meetings, while the MK Party reiterated its openness to discussions that respect its firm policy positions. The engagement underscores a broader trend of civil society and political actors seeking common ground on contentious constitutional and socio‑economic issues.
References
- eNCA – AfriForum CEO meets MK Party leader Jacob Zuma (12 Oct 2024)
- TimesLIVE – AfriForum and MK Party discuss constitutional reform (12 Oct 2024)
- Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, Section 235.
