Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the national spokesperson for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has publicly denied recent allegations of substance abuse. His response comes after Floyd Shivambu, the party’s former secretary-general, claimed on eNCA that Ndhlela frequently used drugs and alcohol.
The accusations, made without evidence, sparked anger within the party and led to widespread debate on social media. In response, Ndhlela shared a drug test report on his verified X account on June 24, showing “not detected” results for all substances tested. The post included the hashtag #SayNoToDrugs and a message urging against trivializing drug abuse.
While some praised Ndhlela’s transparency, others noted the report’s disclaimer, which stated that a “not detected” result does not guarantee the absence of all substances, especially if the test was not comprehensive or conducted after a delay.
Despite the scrutiny, Ndhlela has stood by his defense and sent Shivambu a legal letter demanding a public apology and retraction within 48 hours, accusing him of defamation.
The dispute highlights the growing rift between the two former allies. Shivambu, who left the MK Party earlier this year, now serves as Secretary-General of a rival faction. As internal divisions persist within the party, Ndhlela’s public rebuttal signals a fierce battle over reputation. It remains to be seen whether Shivambu will respond or escalate the conflict further.