Former president Jacob Zuma is facing pressure to address his daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s behavior following complaints from MK Party parliamentary leader John Hlophe about her conduct during caucus meetings.
In a letter to Zuma, Hlophe accused Zuma-Sambudla of repeatedly interrupting him and displaying “unruly behavior” that required reprimanding. The MK Party leader also removed spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela from the whippery team, alleging a coordinated effort by both to undermine newly appointed chief whip Colleen Makhubele.
“The behavior is deeply troubling and reflects a deliberate attempt to destabilize the caucus,” Hlophe wrote, calling for disciplinary action.
The rift comes weeks after the MK Party ousted former secretary-general Floyd Shivambu, who is now forming his own political party. Last month, the party also replaced Mzwanele Manyi with Makhubele as chief whip—a move that has reportedly sparked internal resistance.
Ndhlela denied knowledge of Hlophe’s letter, suggesting his signature may have been misused. “When I asked him, he only said his signature was being abused,” Ndhlela said, alleging a smear campaign against the party.
Earlier this year, Zuma ordered his daughter to apologize after she publicly criticized Shivambu as “useless.” Shivambu was later expelled for visiting fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi.
With Shivambu gone, MK Party insiders say a new faction is now pushing for Makhubele’s removal. Makhubele, a former Johannesburg council speaker, joined the MK Party after her SA Rainbow Alliance (Sara) failed in last year’s elections.
The infighting highlights ongoing instability within the party as it struggles to consolidate its position in South African politics.