The uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party has denied being associated with the insinuation that musician Lerato Lira Molapo is endorsing it for the upcoming election and is their member.
We dont know who this person is that goes and creates an impression of the MK Party without anyone in our structures, national or provincial, knowing. We dont know that person, who is labeling Lira as MK, party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela told The Citizen on Thursday morning.
On Wednesday afternoon, the award winning Feel Good singer released a brief statement accompanied by a screenshot of what seems like a YouTube video titled Lira Join[s] MK displaying three images. Two of the images are of Lira, but the middle shot is of a Lira-lookalike.
In the statement Lira distanced herself from the suggestion that she is a member of the newly-formed party.
I wish to confirm that I have no affiliation with MK party. I have not endorsed them or become an MKP member, averred Lira, adding that she is exploring her legal options.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by @Miss_Lira Loves Life/Nature (@miss_lira)But speaking to The Citizen on Thursday morning, Ndhlela said Lira hadnt engaged the party before releasing the statement and they, as a party, have no intention to speak with her about the matter.
Why must I engage her if I do that it gives credence to this thing, said Ndhlela. We cant engage something were not part of. We welcome her [Lira] taking the person who did this to task.
The political partys mouthpiece said this isnt something the party would do, as it goes against its slogan which says Asibabizi, Bayazizela (we dont call out to them, they come themselves).
We are not desperate for fame and clout. What we are desperate for is every single vote, said Ndhlela.
We love LiraAccording to Ndhlela the partys creative council, which is made up of musos, actors and other players in the creative space, has over 800 members and Ndhlela said Lira is welcome to join.
President [Jacob] Zuma addressed them at Bassline last week telling them how much we support them. We love Lira, love her as a musician. Shes welcome to join the party. But we would never go and post such things, he said.
We could ask her to perform at one of our manifesto. But this would be the wrong way of doing thingswe are a principled party, said Ndhlela.
The controversy surrounding the MK party comes just after Lira marked two years since she suffered a stroke.
