MK Party Denies Internal War Amid Allegations of Fake Letters and Signature Abuse

Are the cracks showing in Jacob Zuma’s MK Party, or is it all just digital smoke?

South Africa’s newest political firebrand, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, is pushing back against claims of internal chaos following the circulation of leaked letters allegedly penned by party deputy president John Hlophe.

The letters, shared widely on social media over the past few days, appear to call for disciplinary action against Zuma’s daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and MK Parliamentary Chief Whip Colleen Makhubele, painting a picture of a party rocked by personality clashes, power struggles, and deepening factional rifts.

But in a swift response, party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela has denied ever receiving such letters and says Hlophe himself told him that his digital signature was misused.

‘My Digital Signature Has Been Abused’ – Hlophe’s Alleged Denial

A group of MK Party MPs is calling for the removal of chief whip Colleen Makhubele. They’ve written to party president Jacob Zuma, accusing her of being autocratic and takes decisions without consulting the rest of the caucus.

Makhubele’s also accused of supporting Israel,… pic.twitter.com/iqr80hFYeP

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 1, 2025

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Ndhlela addressed the apparent scandal directly.

“Let me categorically state the following: I’ve had a conversation with the party leader, Dr Hlophe, and the party leader then said to me, ‘My digital signature has been abused.’ I’ve never received a physical letter, nor have I ever seen it officially,” said Ndhlela.

The same, he added, applied to the letter referencing Zuma-Sambudla, which accused her of “unruly” conduct and disrupting a parliamentary caucus meeting.

The Accusations: Fake or Factional?

In one of the now-viral letters dated 26 June, Hlophe allegedly complains to Zuma about the leadership behaviour of both Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela. The letter describes a dramatic scene where Zuma’s daughter allegedly interrupted a meeting, got up noisily, and questioned if proceedings were finished.

“Her behaviour was despicable,” the letter reads, accusing both members of violating the MK Party’s principles of Ubuntu, Unity in Action, and Respect.

The same document states that Ndhlela “insulted” Makhubele, calling her a “political novice” and suggesting she needed “political education”. It alleges he refused to accept his removal from the whippery team, continued attending meetings, and undermined the chief whip’s authority.

‘There Is No Turmoil’: MK Says Caucus Is Solid

[WATCH] MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela says he has not received any letter from the party’s deputy president, Dr. John Hlophe. He adds
that he discovered the letter on social media and subsequently discussed it with Hlophe, who claimed that his digital signature is being… pic.twitter.com/hc5byFicay

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 1, 2025

Despite the sensational claims, Ndhlela insists there’s no division.

“Honourable Colleen Makhubele is the chief whip of the MK caucus, and that has never changed. The caucus is strong,” he said.

He dismissed any notions that the party is in disarray, saying it’s “business as usual” and reiterating Makhubele’s leadership in Parliament.

But the backdrop tells a more complex story. Since its formation, the MK Party has had five secretary-generals and is now on its fifth treasurer-general, not exactly the track record of a stable organisation.

Social Media Buzz and Nkandla’s Next Move

Unsurprisingly, South Africans took to social media with a mix of amusement and concern.

“MK Party leaking like an old ANC branch meeting. Zuma must be spinning watching this,” one X (Twitter) user posted.

Another commented: “When digital signatures become weapons of mass confusion.”

While Ndhlela and Makhubele are attempting to project calm, all eyes now turn to Nkandla, Zuma’s political fortress, where the party leader is expected to weigh in.

Will Zuma issue disciplinary action? Or will the matter quietly disappear into the realm of political theatre?

Signature Scandals in the Digital Age

If Hlophe’s claims of signature misuse are true, this wouldn’t be the first time that forged digital documents have been used to stir trouble in local politics.

But the timing is key. The party is barely two years old and already carries a reputation for rapid leadership turnover, legal drama, and ideological contradictions, including recent backlash over Makhubele’s alleged pro-Israel stance, which some argue contradicts the party’s pro-Palestinian position.

With Parliament in session and South Africa watching, the MK Party finds itself at a fork in the road: either confront the internal disorder or dismiss it as growing pains.

For now, the party line is clear, “There is no crisis.” But if these letters are indeed the result of factional agendas, the storm may only be beginning.

{Source: The Citizen}

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