Disbelief as Zuma’s MK Party Sells LGBTIQ+ Merchandise

The Umkhonto WeSizwe (MK) party appears to be courting the LGBTIQ+ community by selling rainbow-themed promotional wear, despite its founder repeatedly attacking queer people and their relationships.

On Thursday, social media influencer Sabelo Ntombeningi shared photos of themself modelling MK-branded hoodies, bucket hats, and t-shirts, all adorned with rainbow colours.

“Umkhonto WeSizwe calls upon the LGBTIQ+ community… we now have our very own rainbow logo because we are special… The first political party to say we matter… Place your order now; we deliver anywhere around the country,” wrote Ntombeningi alongside the images.

The post was met with incredulity and anger on Facebook, generating hundreds of comments, mostly criticising Ntombeningi and the MK party for their hypocrisy.

“This is disappointing, Sabelo Ntombeningi, you are such a traitor and a baiter. You know exactly that MK doesn’t give a rat’s ass about you or the community. I guess bills are due, selling your soul to the highest bidder,” wrote Bongs Ndima.

LGBTIQ+ activist Roché Kester commented: “Please don’t take us for fools. Zuma publicly stated that he wants to reverse same-sex marriage on various media platforms. There is no inclusion in your manifesto or your policy frameworks for queer persons. Forget us, please.”

Teko Shiba admired Ntombeningi’s gall, adding: “Try another way to make money; this is not it. We all know and remember what Zuma said two months ago. Anywho, I respect your hustle and audacity because who would knowingly pull this stunt after what was said?”

MK party founder and disgraced former President Jacob Zuma has lashed out at the LGBTIQ+ community in at least two campaign speeches this year. He described same-sex relationships as a disgrace and promised that if MK came to power, it would reverse the law that legalised same-sex marriage in South Africa.

Zuma expressed his opposition to marriage equality as far back as 2006, labelling same-sex marriage as “a disgrace to the nation and to God”.

He also infamously stated: “When I was growing up, unqingili [a ‘homosexual’] could not stand in front of me. I would have knocked him out.”

MambaOnline messaged Ntombeningi for comment but did not receive a reply. We have also been unable to confirm if the merchandise being sold is approved or sanctioned by the MK party.