The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has enlisted high-profile advocate Zandile Mshololo to defend embattled Mpumalanga leader Mary Phadi, following explosive allegations that she compared MKP Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu to a “dog.”
The controversy stems from a heated internal meeting where Phadi reportedly said, *”Floyd behaves like a dog barking orders,”* a remark that has sparked fierce backlash within the party and beyond. The insult, viewed as dehumanizing in South Africa’s political discourse, has deepened factional rifts in the MKP, with critics warning it could further destabilize the party.
In a strategic move, former President Jacob Zuma’s office quietly brought in Mshololo—known for her sharp legal acumen and recent high-profile cases—to manage the fallout. A party insider revealed that Mshololo is expected to guide Phadi through potential disciplinary hearings and possible defamation claims.
Political analysts say the use of animal imagery, particularly the term “dog,” carries heavy historical weight in South Africa and risks inflaming racial and ideological tensions. The remark has also intensified divisions over Shivambu’s growing influence in Mpumalanga’s party restructuring.
While Shivambu has remained silent publicly, his allies are reportedly pushing for internal disciplinary action or even legal consequences against Phadi. Meanwhile, Phadi, backed by Mshololo, is expected to argue that her comments were political criticism rather than a personal attack.
The clash raises broader concerns about the MKP’s stability, as the party—already grappling with internal strife—faces yet another test of unity. With legal battles looming and factional tensions rising, the MKP’s leadership must navigate the crisis carefully to avoid further fragmentation.
As the dispute unfolds, all eyes are on the party’s next national committee meeting, where Shivambu may finally break his silence.
