MIDDELBURG — A visit by Ward 6 councillor Sizwe Zulu to Phumelela Secondary School in Middelburg has drawn criticism from the Mkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which alleges double standards after its own attempt to donate items at the school was previously blocked.

“I went there not as representing the ANC, but as a community member to honour a promise I made to the school educators last year,” Zulu said.

Zulu bought lunch for teachers and staff at the Extension 24 school on 17 April 2026. He said the gesture was tied to a pledge he made to educators if they improved their matric results compared to the previous year.

He said he did not wear ANC regalia during the visit.

“The teachers are doing important work for our children and our community. This was about supporting them, not about politics.”

The visit has drawn criticism from MK Party Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) Qhawekazi Mtshweni, who is deployed to the education portfolio.

Mtshweni alleges her own attempt to hand over uniforms and dignity packs to underprivileged learners at the same school was blocked on 02 February 2026. She said the acting principal, supported by the circuit manager, stopped the donation and told her party members they were not allowed to campaign at the school.

“Despite not having our party uniforms on, we pushed for the handover to go ahead,” Mtshweni said. “When they realised the clothing issue wasn’t sticking, they changed tactics and said we hadn’t booked an appointment.”

She said Zulu’s lunch could also be seen as campaigning and accused the education department of “engaging in political games”.

Mtshweni confirmed she is escalating the matter to provincial education authorities.

Zulu said his role as a public representative extends beyond party lines.

“I may have become a councillor under the ANC, but when it comes to serving, I am serving everyone regardless of their political affiliation,” he said.

“My office is open to every resident of Ward 6. When there’s a service delivery issue or when our schools need support, I don’t ask what party you belong to.”