Former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane has emerged as the new convener of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party in Mpumalanga, following a contentious leadership battle with businesswoman Mary Phadi. The appointment comes after months of internal strife and legal disputes within the party.
Phadi, who also serves as the president of the Truckers Association of South Africa, was initially dismissed as convener in November 2024 after allegations surfaced linking her to an assassination plot. Despite the MK party’s mandate for her resignation, Phadi refused to step down and instead sought legal recourse. In December 2024, she won a high court ruling overturning her dismissal, prompting the MK party to appeal the decision.
In the interim, the MK party appointed Mkhwebane as the new convener, a move she confirmed during a media briefing at Anew Hotel in Emalahleni (formerly Witbank), Mpumalanga, on Thursday, 27 February 2025. “On 25 October 2024, President Jacob Zuma appointed me as provincial convener. I received a letter from the former convenor acknowledging this appointment, and the provincial task team was announced on 13 November 2024,” Mkhwebane stated, signaling the end of the leadership dispute.
Mkhwebane expressed confidence in the MK party’s stability and readiness for the 2026 local government elections. “Participation across diverse sub-regions demonstrates that MKP is indeed thriving and ready to make a significant impact in the 2026 local government elections,” she said. “We take pride in our capable ground forces, whose dedication and leadership in the area will undoubtedly lead us to victory.”
She attributed the previous instability in Mpumalanga to an incomplete provincial detachment structure, which she claimed had led to infighting and disorganization. With the new leadership team in place, Mkhwebane aims to unify the party and strengthen its presence in the province.
The Mpumalanga MKP leadership structure now includes Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane as convener, Charles Masombuka as deputy convener, Abednego Mkhatshwa as coordinator, Dr. Nelisiwe Msibi as deputy coordinator, Skhwameni Nkuna as organizer, Njabulu Ka Chibi Mthabela as deputy organizer, Donald Maphanga as fundraiser, and Mbalenhle Masinga as deputy fundraiser.
As the MK party prepares for the 2026 elections, Mkhwebane’s leadership will be crucial in consolidating support and addressing internal challenges. The resolution of the leadership dispute marks a significant step forward for the party, but the road ahead remains fraught with political and organizational hurdles. For now, Mkhwebane’s appointment signals a new chapter for the MK party in Mpumalanga, as it seeks to establish itself as a formidable force in South African politics.
