Jabulani Khumalo, a founding member of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has publicly accused former President Jacob Zuma of undermining him within the party. Khumalo claims Zuma removed his security and transport benefits, which were originally provided by the MK Party.
Khumalo was initially the party’s leader before being replaced by Zuma ahead of the 2024 elections. He alleges a deliberate effort to sideline him, stating, *”Jacob Zuma took my bodyguards and car allocated to me by the MKP and gave them to Papa Penny.”* He also said he had to return a party vehicle after facing financial pressure and alleged intimidation from Zuma’s supporters.
In a surprising move, Khumalo says Zuma later withdrew the same benefits from Papa Penny, a musician and now an MK Party MP. *”At least he was sent to Parliament. It’s not the same,”* Khumalo remarked, suggesting others were given political roles while he was left with nothing.
Khumalo insists his fight is not for personal gain but for the party’s members. *”I am fighting for the liberation of MKP members in their own party,”* he said. His claims have raised concerns about internal divisions within the MK Party, with critics pointing to a lack of democracy and growing tensions.
Efforts to get a response from the MK Party were unsuccessful, but insiders suggest clashes between Khumalo’s supporters and Zuma’s allies could worsen. As the party seeks to strengthen its position in Parliament, these disputes risk damaging its unity and credibility at a crucial time in South African politics.