The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has moved to tighten internal discipline, with Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu announcing the suspension of two high-profile leaders accused of bringing the party into disrepute. However, party leader Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has escaped expulsion following a disciplinary review.
At a media briefing on Monday, Shivambu stated that the party’s leadership had acted decisively after receiving a report from the national disciplinary committee. Though he did not disclose the names of the expelled members, he confirmed that one had served in the National Council of Provinces and the other in Mpumalanga’s provincial legislature.
“These expulsions demonstrate that the MK Party will not hesitate to act on matters of internal discipline,” Shivambu asserted.
Deputy Secretary-General Nombuso Mkhize elaborated on the party’s disciplinary procedures, revealing that former President Jacob Zuma had instructed officials to strictly follow the party’s constitution in handling Zuma-Sambudla’s case. She emphasized the need for a detailed misconduct report before further action could be taken.
Shivambu underscored the importance of unity within the MK Party, warning against public discord among members. “Internal disagreements should be handled internally. Public disharmony weakens the faith and confidence of our people in the organization,” he said.
The MK Party recently faced a turbulent period, with internal tensions playing out in public. Two weeks ago, Zuma-Sambudla used profanity on social media against Shivambu, later apologizing after Zuma personally intervened. Around the same time, Deputy President John Hlophe and parliamentary chief whip Mzwanele Manyi nearly came to blows following a heated debate on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s SONA address.
Further divisions surfaced in Mpumalanga, where former provincial convener Mary Phadi held a rival rally against current convener, former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
Shivambu called for strict discipline, warning that signs of division at the leadership level would reflect negatively on the party’s rank and file. “If we do not show unity, the organization will dwindle into insignificance,” he cautioned.
As the MK Party moves to stabilize its leadership, all eyes will be on whether these disciplinary actions can restore order or deepen existing fractures within the movement.