The MK Party is set to appoint its sixth secretary-general soon, with reports suggesting that traditional leader and longtime Jacob Zuma loyalist Phumlani Mfeka may take the position.
This follows the removal of the current secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, on Tuesday after he visited the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church in Malawi, led by controversial prophet and fugitive Shepherd Bushiri.
Zuma stated that the party’s national officials found Shivambu’s trip conflicted with MK’s values and harmed its image. The party had received complaints about its association with Bushiri.
“We have rules, and people were talking, so we thought it was important to clarify the situation,” Zuma said.
Shivambu accepted the decision, saying, “On behalf of myself and those involved, we regret that the visit to Malawi did not align with the MK Party’s constitution.”
Shivambu had been in the role for less than a year after leaving the EFF to join the MK Party. He was the fifth secretary-general since the party’s formation in December 2023. Previous officeholders include Thanduxolo Dyodo, Sihle Ngubane, Arthur Zwane, and Sifiso Maseko.
Reports indicate that Mfeka, expected to assume the position this week, was personally approached by Zuma. A party document described Mfeka as a strategic thinker who could help the MK Party reconnect with its core values and traditions.
Mfeka is seen as Zuma’s key ally in traditional leadership circles within the party. Before Shivambu’s removal, other candidates considered for the role included former DA member Bongani Baloyi and impeached ex-public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
Mfeka, founder of the Injeje YabeNguni organization advocating for traditional leaders and the Nguni people, had resigned as an MPL and MK member in February after making allegations against senior party leaders. However, he rejoined the party in May, fueling speculation of an impending leadership reshuffle.
