South Africans are buzzing with curiosity about Jacob Zuma's unexpected decision to attend the State of the Nation Address (SONA), raising questions about his motives.
Confirmed by MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, this marks a significant shift from Zuma's previous rejections of SONA invitations.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with many speculating on the reasons behind Zuma's sudden change of heart.

Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned journalist with Briefly News, has been covering South Africa's political landscape for over seven years. Based in Johannesburg, his work spans policy changes, parliamentary proceedings, and high-profile political events for outlets like Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

Jacob Zuma's confirmed attendance at SONA has sparked nationwide interest. Image: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG — In a surprising turn of events, MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has officially announced that Jacob Zuma will grace the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February 2025. This decision has left many South Africans scratching their heads, especially considering Zuma's history of skipping these high-profile events. For years, the former president has opted out of attending SONAs, often citing disagreements with the current administration led by President Cyril Ramaphosa. So, what's changed?

What's Behind Zuma's Decision to Attend SONA?

For those who have followed Jacob Zuma's political career, his absence from past SONAs wasn't exactly a mystery. According to reports from News24, Zuma has long been vocal about his lack of support for the African National Congress (ANC) and its leadership under President Ramaphosa. In fact, he's been clear about not recognizing Ramaphosa's authority. But now, things seem different. Nhlamulo Ndhlela explained that Zuma's decision to attend this year's SONA is rooted in his commitment to represent the MK Party. This explanation, however, hasn't fully quelled suspicions among the public. Many are left wondering if there's more to the story than meets the eye.

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Msholozi's return to the political spotlight after years of absence raises eyebrows. Image: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Recent Developments Involving Zuma and the MK Party

In October 2024, a viral photo of Zuma with two of his teenage children sent shockwaves across social media, sparking discussions about his personal life.
Earlier this year, the MK Party stepped in to defend Zuma following allegations by Janusz Walus, the convicted killer of Chris Hani, who claimed to have met with Chris Derby-Lewis, an alleged conspirator in Hani's murder.
In a legal setback, the Johannesburg High Court rejected an application by the MK Party and Jacob Zuma to stop the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) from using the term "Government of National Unity." This decision highlighted ongoing tensions between the MK Party and established media institutions.

Social Media Reactions: What Are People Saying?

As news of Zuma's planned attendance at the SONA spread, social media erupted with opinions and theories. On @News24's X tweet, users shared their thoughts, ranging from skepticism to outright disbelief.

Kerotse chimed in with a practical suggestion:

"They must lock him outside if he arrives late."

Mak raised an interesting point:

"Is the current president going to acknowledge him this time around? Or are we in for another round of endless points of order, begging the speaker to recognize the former president?"

LluTladi voiced a common critique:

"It's hypocritical. On one hand, he doesn't accept the results of the May elections, but on the other, he's happy to attend the SONA, which is a direct outcome of those elections."

Thabo predicted a familiar pattern:

"He's going to arrive late just to draw attention. It's the same old tactics."

Vaccinations offered a more optimistic take:

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"He's on a mission. I know him. He doesn't have time for games."

MK Party Urges Trump to Investigate Phala Phala Saga

Adding another layer to the political drama, the MK Party recently made headlines by calling on none other than former U.S. President Donald Trump to investigate the infamous Phala Phala scandal. In a public statement congratulating Trump on his return to the White House, the MK Party urged him to look into allegations surrounding President Cyril Ramaphosa's alleged stashing of U.S. currency at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. While the request may seem far-fetched, it certainly didn't go unnoticed, sparking amusement and disbelief among netizens.

As South Africa braces for another high-stakes SONA, all eyes will be on Jacob Zuma. Will his presence signal a new chapter in his political journey, or is this just another calculated move? Only time will tell.