KwaZulu-Natal — The MK Party has officially expelled founding member Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and suspended former spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, marking a significant escalation in the political organization’s internal crisis. The expulsion of these high-profile figures underscores deepening factional divides and strict disciplinary actions within the ranks of the official opposition.
Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo announced the disciplinary measures, citing irreparable differences and conduct that is inconsistent with the party’s constitutional principles, values, and discipline. According to party insiders, these presidential decrees are driven directly by uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) President Jacob Zuma, as the organization currently lacks elected structures to handle such massive decisions.
Leadership Decrees and Factional Divides
The disciplinary actions against Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela have been in the making for some time. Zuma-Sambudla previously stepped down as an MK Member of Parliament last year following a controversy involving allegations of recruiting young men to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. Since then, she had been reduced to an ordinary member.
Tensions have been brewing over alleged parallel structures within the party. Zuma-Sambudla previously claimed that factions were meeting in Hillcrest and KwaZulu-Natal to force out founding members and ultimately remove the party president. Echoing these concerns, Nomvalo cautioned against unsanctioned parallel structures, highlighting a recent Youth League gathering in Limpopo during Youth Day celebrations that was not approved by official party leadership.
The party’s national chairperson emphasized that these drastic steps—including the removal of the president’s daughter—are necessary to prevent internal division ahead of the upcoming local government elections. However, the party continues to grapple with severe leadership instability. Since its formation just four months before the 2024 national elections, the MK Party has seen eight different individuals serve as secretary-general, compounded by a reluctance to hold internal democratic processes for electing leaders.
The Catalyst: Disputes Over a Late Colleague
A major catalyst that brought these disciplinary issues to a head was the handling of the late Muzi Ntshingila’s affairs. The family of the deceased reportedly complained to the party after Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela allegedly moved the ailing politician from a hospital without family consent. Furthermore, the pair allegedly removed personal belongings from his parliamentary residence without authorization. The family argued that this conduct brought the funeral processes into disrepute, prompting the party to take action.
Reactions and Looming Legal Battles
Following the announcement, Zuma-Sambudla took to X (formerly Twitter) to dismiss the allegations as “fictional narratives.” She claimed that certain party leaders are ignorant of the MK constitution and directed media inquiries to Nhlamulo Ndhlela, who is acting as a spokesperson for her faction. Given her combative stance and claims of being a founding member, a legal challenge against the expulsion remains a strong possibility.
“Family Business” Allegations and Power Dynamics
The MK Party has faced ongoing criticism for appearing as a “family business,” given the prominent roles of Jacob Zuma, his daughter Duduzile, and her twin brother, who reportedly serves on a presidential task team. Rumors have also circulated about Duduzane Zuma potentially becoming the next deputy party president.
Despite the optics, party leadership maintains that no one receives special treatment. They point to the previous disciplinary actions against high-profile figures like Floyd Shivambu as evidence that all members are held accountable, regardless of their proximity to the president.
Succession Concerns and Upcoming Protests
The ongoing instability raises serious questions about the party’s succession plan and voter perception. Concerns regarding Zuma’s advanced age were recently amplified by a viral video showing the former president struggling to dance and appearing frail. Additionally, he faces ongoing legal battles, including a recent approach to the Constitutional Court challenging a ruling that requires him to repay R28 million in legal fees.
In a separate development aimed at rallying support, Nomvalo confirmed that the MK Party will participate in the June 30 anti-illegal immigration protests organized by an independent movement.
As the party navigates these internal fractures, its ability to maintain its status as a formidable force in the upcoming local government elections remains uncertain. The need to build a robust leadership structure around the aging president has never been more critical, especially as founding members are expelled from the very organization they helped create.
