South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has lost a trademark court battle with the newly formed uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party.
ANC wanted the party, which is backed by former President Jacob Zuma, to stop using the name and logo similar to that of the governing party’s disbanded military wing, uMkhonto weSizwe.
The ruling party argued that the use of the name by the new party would lead to voter confusion in the upcoming May polls.
A court in Durban on Monday rejected the ANC’s application in a move which means that MK party can continue its campaign ahead of next month’s general election.
Its co-founder Jabulani Khumalo said the party had “conquered” shortly after the court ruling.
“Right now our biggest focus is on campaigning and promoting Zuma,” Mr Khumalo added.
Mr Zuma, 81, is campaigning against the ANC in the May elections.
