The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is grappling with deepening internal divisions within its Mpumalanga branch, a situation that risks undermining its recent political gains in the province. Tensions have escalated following a series of events that have exposed fractures within the party’s provincial leadership.
In October 2024, the MKP’s national leadership demanded the resignation of three members serving in the Mpumalanga Legislature, accusing them of misconduct that allegedly brought the party into disrepute. While specific allegations were not publicly disclosed, mismanagement was cited as a key concern. Secretary-General Sifiso Maseko issued a formal directive ordering the implicated members to resign within three days or face formal disciplinary action. The move was framed as a demonstration of the party’s commitment to integrity and accountability.
Despite these internal struggles, the MKP showcased its growing electoral strength in a February 2024 by-election in Ward 4 of the Govan Mbeki Municipality, located in the Gert Sibande district. The party secured an impressive second place with 28% of the vote, outperforming established contenders such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). This result underscored the MKP’s rising influence in Mpumalanga’s political landscape.
However, internal discord was further exposed by the abrupt departure of high-profile figures from the party. Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, a former Public Protector who had recently been appointed as the MKP’s provincial convenor in Mpumalanga, resigned just two weeks after leaving the EFF to join the party. Her short-lived tenure has fueled speculation about instability within the MKP’s leadership structures.
Party spokesperson Aubrey Mtsweni acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in resolving them internally. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to addressing misconduct decisively while maintaining its core values of integrity, accountability, and transparency.
As the MKP navigates these turbulent times, its ability to maintain unity and effectively manage internal disputes will be crucial in sustaining its political momentum in Mpumalanga. The party’s actions in the coming months will likely shape its long-term trajectory and influence within the province’s evolving political landscape.
