Zuma removes eThekwini mayoral candidate, disbands presidential task team amid MK Party list probe

Jacob Zuma has removed Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi as the uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s mayoral candidate for the City of eThekwini and disbanded the party’s Presidential Task Team (PTT) amid allegations of manipulation of councillor candidate lists submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

Who was removed and why

The party said Hlophe-Mkhwanazi is under investigation for allegedly manipulating councillor candidate lists that were submitted to the IEC. The MK Party also removed Sibonelo Maphumulo from the National Party Liaison Committee (NPLC).

Party response and investigation

National spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said the organisation had initiated an investigation into the alleged irregularities in the councillor candidate lists.

“In light of the seriousness of these concerns, the party has initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities concerning the councillor candidate lists. The investigation will seek to establish the full facts and ensure that any persons found responsible for wrongdoing are held accountable in accordance with the organisation’s rules and procedures,” said Mahlangu.

Mahlangu added that the party was “deeply concerned about allegations that the councillor candidate lists were altered and that deserving candidates were allegedly removed.” He said the president viewed the allegations “with the utmost seriousness” and that “there is no place for manipulation, political gatekeeping or the abuse of organisational processes.”

New mayoral candidate and organisational moves

The MK Party named Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi as its new mayoral candidate in eThekwini, with immediate effect.

“The president and the national officials congratulate comrade Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi on his designation as the mayoral candidate of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and wish him strength and success in carrying out this important responsibility,” Mahlangu said.

The party said Zuma had disbanded the PTT and noted that this was not the first time the structure had been disbanded. The decisions, the party said, were taken “in the interests of safeguarding the integrity of the organisation’s processes and protecting the interests of our members, candidates and voters.”

Call for unity ahead of elections

Mahlangu apologised to the party’s business centres and affected structures “for the uncertainty and disruption arising from these developments” and said the president called on members and structures to unite behind candidates ahead of the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.

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Source: citizen.co.za