Johannesburg – Peter de Villiers, former Boks coach has announced his decision to join the newly established political party spearheaded by former President Jacob Zuma, citing a renewed focus on serving communities and addressing pressing social issues.
In an announcement made alongside Ntsiki Mazwai and Dr John Hlope, the coach shared insights into what motivated him to shift from rugby to politics. “You sit down and look at the communities, and there’s one thing that triggers you—when the truth becomes a lie,” he stated.
The comments are clearly directed at areas governed by the Democratic Alliance (DA), particularly the coloured communities of the Western Cape. Growing disillusionment among the opposition’s support base reflects a widening disconnect between the DA’s touted successes, such as clean audits, and the harsh realities experienced on the ground.
“You hear political parties boasting about clean audits and their achievements, but when you look at the communities, when you see the people, you start to question: Are we working for clean audits, or are we here to serve the people?,” De Villiers charges.
The new party, led by Zuma, resonates with his values and priorities, he maintains. “That is exactly what this party stands for. It took me a long time to investigate them, but I wanted to be certain they aligned with my principles. This is about changing people’s lives, not about positions or titles. It’s about serving to the best of our abilities.”
He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received upon joining the movement. “If one gets welcomed the way I was welcomed, it confirms that I’ve found the right place.”
The coach’s decision underscores a growing dissatisfaction amongst many South Africans as the GNU doesn’t to be serving its intended purpose. It comes in the back of established political parties, be it the ANC or the DA, and their perceived failure to address grassroots issues. By aligning himself with this new movement, the Springboks legend hopes to make a meaningful impact on South African communities.
As Zuma’s political party continues to take shape, the inclusion of high-profile figures such as De Villiers coach signals a strategic focus on building a coalition of individuals who prioritise community service over personal ambition.
Prior to this, De Villiers was a member of the former Cape Town Mayor’s Patricia De Lille’s Good party, which that has subsequently been absorbed into the GNU. Patricia De Lillie’s Good Party, which that has subsequently been absorbed into the GNU.
The MK Party: A People’s Movement with concrete solutions on land and poverty
The MK Party, named after the ANC’s former armed wing, is credited with ending the ruling party’s 30-year majority in the May 2024 national elections, where its vote share plummeted to 40%.
Visibly elated to announce and welcome De Villiers into his new political home, the MK deputy president told the Moya podcast: “On behalf of the MK Party, we are excited to have such a distinguished person such as De Villiers. I have no doubt you’re going to add immense value to our party. As the local [government] elections are around the corner, the time to talk is over. It’s time for us to act decisively and bring back dignity to our people.”
Hlope further attributed MK’s rising popularity in South Africa’s turbulent political arena to the party’s “coherent policies on important issues such as land in this country … and poverty.” He added, “we have concrete policies also on issues relating to bringing about the dignity of the black person back so that we too can feel that we are recognised and have dignity in our country.”
