Ndhlela defends Zuma and says MK Party has never had a capable secretary-general

Expelled Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party member Nhlamulo Ndhlela defended Jacob Zuma on Sunday and blamed the party’s recurring leadership problems on weak secretary-generals, saying the organisation has never had a secretary-general capable of effectively leading it. The comments came during a media briefing held with fellow expelled member Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.

Briefing follows expulsions

The briefing came three days after Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo announced the immediate expulsion of Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela, saying they had acted in ways that conflicted with the party’s values, constitution and organisational interests. Both Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela said they only learned of their expulsions through media reports.

Why the secretary-general is the target

Ndhlela told reporters the party’s problems were rooted in the individuals who had occupied the secretary-general post.

“From day one, this party has never had an SG that’s capable of actually leading this organisation. That’s a fact, and the president should not be blamed for changing SGs,” he said.

He said those appointed to the role often became disconnected from grassroots structures, developing arrogance and behaving like “celebrities” who make changes without consultation and abuse their power. He added that the MK Party was founded by activists and suggested many past secretary-generals did not come from the party’s ground-level membership.

Criticism of current leadership and weekly expulsions

Ndhlela criticised Nomvalo’s leadership style and the frequency of public disciplinary actions.

“If you look at what’s transpired to date, every single week, ever since he’s arrived, statements regarding people being removed… Every single week, we’re becoming a joke. Every single week, we’re calling press conferences. It’s time for a teletubbies. Time for teletubbies. That’s what we’re becoming.”

He said the constant expulsions and statements were eroding the party’s credibility and creating resistance among ordinary members, whom he said found some leadership tendencies “foreign to Umkhonto weSizwe Party.”

Questions over dual roles ahead of elections

Ndhlela also questioned whether Nomvalo could effectively lead the party while serving in Parliament.

“There’s no ways you can lead a movement such as Umkhonto weSizwe Party and still occupy a seat in Parliament… He has to choose one. Which one is it?”

He argued that running the MK Party required full-time attention, particularly with the looming 2026 local government elections, and said the organisation needed a leader focused on movement-building rather than celebrity platforms.

Leadership turnover and past holders of the post

The party has experienced frequent changes in the secretary-general position. Since its formation in 2023, at least seven people have occupied the role. The source lists those who have served as secretary-general as Thanduxolo Dyodo, Sfiso Maseko, Arthur Zwane, Sihle Ngubane, Floyd Shivambu, Dr Bongani Mncwango, and Nomvalo.

Other concerns withheld

Ndhlela said there were additional issues within the organisation but declined to elaborate, saying they could not be disclosed because they remained disciplined members of the MK Party.