The MK Party is set to announce new leadership for its provincial structures during a press briefing in Sandton on Monday. The announcement comes amid escalating internal divisions within the party, particularly over leadership disputes in Mpumalanga.
MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu confirmed the briefing, stating, “We have a press conference to speak to the resolutions of the national officials and also announce the leadership that has been appointed in the intervening period.” While it remains unclear which provincial structures will be addressed, the focus is believed to be on Mpumalanga, where tensions have been particularly high.
The leadership battle in Mpumalanga has intensified in recent weeks, with former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and businesswoman Mary Phadi vying for control. Last week, supporters were forced to choose sides as both leaders held separate meetings on the same day. Phadi’s event reportedly drew a larger crowd, highlighting the deep divisions within the party.
The conflict traces back to 2024 when MK Party leader Jacob Zuma fired Phadi amid allegations of her involvement in an assassination plot. Mkhwebane was appointed as her replacement, but the courts later ruled that Phadi’s suspension was unconstitutional, overturning Mkhwebane’s appointment. Despite the court ruling, the MK Party continued to recognize Mkhwebane as the legitimate provincial leader, raising questions about its commitment to democratic processes.
Phadi, who remains a member of the provincial legislature, continues to report for duty and draw a salary, further complicating the leadership dispute. The MK Party’s significant gains in Mpumalanga during the 2024 elections, securing nine seats in the provincial legislature, have only heightened the stakes.
The leadership announcement comes at a turbulent time for the MK Party, which has been in the spotlight due to internal conflicts and public spats. Recently, Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Sambudla-Zuma, launched a social media attack on Shivambu, calling him the “worst thing that happened to MK.” Although she later apologized to the party and Shivambu, the incident underscored the growing tensions within the party.
As the MK Party prepares to unveil its new provincial leadership, all eyes will be on how it addresses these internal divisions and whether it can restore unity ahead of future political challenges. The outcome of Monday’s announcement could have significant implications for the party’s stability and its ability to maintain its influence in South Africa’s political landscape.
