MK party sacks spokesperson Ndlhamulo Ndhlela, hires former Star editor

Quick change at the top of MK communications

MK party Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo announced the dismissal on Monday, 18 May, saying national officials acted swiftly after a communications misstep. The party said Ndhlela’s removal is effective immediately and that Mahlangu will take over as national spokesperson.

What sparked the move

Over the weekend, Ndhlela read a statement in the presence of senior officials that suggested a newly formed MK Institute would assume full control over the party’s leadership structures. The announcement said the institute would “assume full responsibility for the political management and administration of the organisation” and that “all leadership structures of the party are now being subjected to and report to the institute.”

Party rejects the institute’s claims

Nomvalo rejected those claims, calling the pronouncements “null and void” and saying they were “beyond the powers of the entity and unconstitutional.” He said the media statement did not reflect decisions or views of the MK party’s national leadership.

MK Institute and integration

The MK Institute, announced on Saturday, was described as a body led by Deputy President Mandlakayise Hlophe and senior figures including Ndhlela, General Manana, Oupa Mathebula, Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala and Lindelani Mbambo. The institute was introduced as a structure to oversee governance frameworks, leadership structures and ideological education.

Nomvalo said the national leadership decided to integrate the institute into the party’s broader organisational policy-making machinery, reporting directly to the secretary-general.

Farewell and new appointment

Nomvalo acknowledged Ndhlela’s role in building the party’s media footprint and thanked him as he steps down from the spokesperson role in both the party and in parliament. He described Sifiso Mahlangu as a seasoned journalist and former news editor who will bring technical and professional insights to the party’s communications.

What to watch next

• The integration of the MK Institute into party structures.
• Mahlangu’s handling of MK party messaging during ongoing internal tensions.