The MK Party, once a rising force in South African politics under Jacob Zuma’s leadership, is now grappling with internal chaos that threatens its very existence. At the heart of this turmoil is a bitter feud between key figures Floyd Shivambu and Duduzile Zuma, with the conflict spilling into public view and exposing deep factional fractures. Adding fuel to the fire, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, a prominent ally of Duduzile and former Public Protector, has hinted at possessing compromising information about Shivambu’s acquisition of classified documents linked to the CR17 campaign, which supported Cyril Ramaphosa’s rise to power.
This simmering drama, highlighted by critic Goolam on social media, paints a picture of a party teetering on the brink of collapse, although many of these claims remain unverified and must be treated with caution.
The Shivambu-Duduzile Feud
Floyd Shivambu, the party’s Secretary-General and a defector from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been a polarizing figure since joining the MK Party. His appointment was seen as a coup for Zuma, bringing organizational expertise and a high-profile name to the fold. However, his leadership style has clashed with Duduzile Zuma, Jacob Zuma’s daughter and a vocal MP, who has not shied away from public criticism of Shivambu.
Their conflict escalated when Duduzile faced disciplinary action for a profanity-laced outburst against him on social media, only issuing an apology under pressure from her father. This incident, coupled with Mkhwebane’s enigmatic hints, suggests a power struggle that transcends personal animosity and points to broader divisions within the party’s ranks. Mkhwebane’s alleged evidence, including claims of camera footage from her residence, adds a tantalizing layer, though no concrete proof has surfaced to confirm these assertions.
The MK Party’s issues extend beyond this central feud. Reports of parallel rallies in Mpumalanga involving Mkhwebane and another factional leader, Mary Phadi, underscore the fractured state of the organization. Meanwhile, the resignation of founding member Phumlani Mfeka, reportedly an ally of Duduzile, has further destabilized the party’s unity.
Once a formidable challenger to the African National Congress (ANC) in regions like KwaZulu-Natal, the MK Party now risks losing its momentum as infighting overshadows its political agenda. The inclusion of high-profile figures like Shivambu, Mkhwebane, and Dali Mpofu—all former EFF stalwarts—was meant to bolster its credibility, but their presence appears to have intensified internal rivalries instead.
The MK Party stands at a critical juncture. The factional battles between Shivambu, Duduzile, and their respective allies threaten to derail the party’s progress and undermine its ability to present a united front. With elections on the horizon, the party’s ability to resolve these internal conflicts will determine its future relevance in South Africa’s political landscape.
For now, the MK Party’s internal chaos serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of managing a diverse and ambitious political movement. As the infighting continues, the question remains: can Jacob Zuma’s political project survive, or will it succumb to the very divisions it sought to overcome?
The coming weeks and months will be crucial for the MK Party as it navigates these turbulent waters. Whether it can emerge stronger or will fracture under the weight of its internal disputes remains to be seen.
