Pan-African vision: MK party backs strategic alliance with Morocco
In a bold move to reshape African geopolitics and foster deeper regional cooperation, the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has announced its support for a strategic partnership between South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco.
This alignment is framed as a step towards African unity, economic emancipation, and territorial integrity, themes deeply embedded in the continent's ongoing struggle for sovereignty and self-determination.
With historical ties, shared values, and common security and economic interests, the MK Party's proposal lays the groundwork for a powerful bilateral alliance that could redefine Africa's role on the global stage.
Pan-African vision
The MK Party is advocating for a robust strategic alliance between South Africa and Morocco.
The goal is to enhance African unity, uphold territorial integrity, and pursue economic independence.
Shared anti-colonial legacy
Both nations emerged from anti-colonial struggles: Morocco from French and Spanish rule, South Africa from apartheid.
Morocco supported South Africa's liberation movement, including early assistance to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962.
Mutual respect for sovereignty
The MK Party aligns with Morocco's stance on preserving national unity and defending against separatist threats.
The defence of South Africa's own territorial integrity is cited as a parallel struggle.
Geopolitical alignment
Both countries support multipolar diplomacy and UN/African Union reform to amplify African voices.
Joint concerns include regional destabilisation caused by foreign-backed separatism.
Economic synergy
South Africa and Morocco are among Africa's top investors.
The MK Party sees potential for increased intra-African trade, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Key areas for collaboration: agriculture, food security, digital transformation, and infrastructure.
Cultural and social exchange
Shared cultural diversity and history position both nations to lead in Afrocentric education and youth exchange.
Proposals include curriculum sharing, heritage festivals, and language programmes.
Controversial but strategic support for Morocco's Sahara position
MK supports Morocco's claim over Western Sahara, citing historical legitimacy and tribal allegiance to the Moroccan throne.
The 1975 Green March is described as a non-violent decolonisation effort.
Morocco's autonomy proposal is seen as a realistic compromise that ensures peace and local governance under Moroccan sovereignty.
Roadmap for bilateral strengthening
Proposed diplomatic framework for collaboration at the UN and AU.
Economic agreement, including a potential free trade deal between the two nations.
Joint security initiatives to tackle regional threats.
Academic, cultural, and technological cooperation aimed at empowering youth and promoting African identity.
MK envisions the South Africa–Morocco partnership as a cornerstone for Africa's renaissance with the alliance grounded in historical solidarity and shared goals of peace, stability, and sustainable development.
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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles — South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule. 'In this regard, Morocco has played a pivotal role in supporting South Africa through its fight for liberation. Morocco was the first country to lend financial and military support to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962. 'Morocco's efforts to reclaim its full territorial integrity align with the MK Party's commitment to preserving the sovereignty and unity of African states,' the policy states. On Saturday, the party lambasted the use of the national flag in Zuma's meeting with Moroccan officials. 'This reckless and provocative act constitutes a flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms and an unacceptable intrusion into South Africa's internal political affairs. It is a dangerous attempt to delegitimise our constitutional order and discredit the authority of a democratically elected government. 'The inclusion of our national symbols in partisan activities hosted by foreign powers is not only misleading but also part of a broader agenda of foreign interference,' the ANC said. 'The ANC urges the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest and to demand an immediate explanation and apology from the Moroccan authorities. 'We also call on all South Africans, regardless of political affiliation, to reject this dangerous precedent that threatens our sovereignty, our democracy, and our national unity. 'We further condemn the opportunistic involvement of Jacob Zuma, who has aligned himself with efforts that erode South Africa's standing in the international community and betray the principles of non-alignment, peace, and anticolonial solidarity that he once purported to uphold,' the party said. 'The leader of the MKP has revealed his true colours by demonstrating a lack of belief in the ANC's political, economic, and ideological principles of progressive internationalism, Pan-Africanism, and solidarity on both international and continental levels. 'It is shameful that a former leader of a liberation movement is betraying our historical mission and showing his true colours as he stands in opposition to the aim of contributing to the creation of a better Africa and world that is more humane, just, equitable, democratic, and free world,' the ANC said. Former president and current leader of uMkhonto weSizwe Party are seeking to overturn President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent reforms to the police ministry. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers On Sunday, Mbalula said that Zuma's actions are not a surprise as 'Jacob Zuma represents everything that is... pursued by sellouts'. Mbalula came out to address the media during a short interval at the Cape Sun Hotel, where the ANC's National Working Committee (NWC) met with the Provincial Executive Committee. This forms part of the ANC's ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational capacity and engage directly with structures of the movement across regions and districts. 'We, as the ANC, will fight side-by-side for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. We are in solidarity with them, and Morocco must stop the occupation of Western Sahara. 'Zuma is no messiah. He is a sellout of note. For whatever reason, he is doing this is no surprise to us,' Mbalula said. 'The very decision to steal the assets of the ANC to form a political party, and call it what it is, to divide our people, to weaken the African National Congress, for his own personal aggrandisement, is what he has been. He will be remembered for that by history.' The MK Party was contacted for comment, but indicated that they will respond to Mbalula's comment at a future briefing.
