Lucky Montana Breaks Silence on Why He Quit as MK Party MP

A Quiet Exit That Sparked Loud Questions

Former Prasa CEO and well-known political figure Lucky Montana has officially resigned as a Member of Parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and while he insists the decision is personal, the political timing has left many South Africans reading between the lines.

Montana announced his departure on Monday morning on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that he had informed the party’s parliamentary leadership earlier this year of his intention to vacate his seat. His resignation took effect immediately.

For a man who has long occupied the headlines, whether for rail controversies, political battles, or tax disputes, the simplicity of the explanation has only intensified public curiosity.

What Montana Told the Party

In the letter he shared online, Montana noted that he had written to suspended MK deputy leader Dr. John Hlophe and Chief Whip Colleen Makhubela, stating:

“This serves to inform you of my intention to step down as a Member of Parliament at the end of the 4th Term of Parliament. This is for personal reasons.”

He emphasised that this resignation is not a departure from the party itself. Instead, he framed it as a limited step backone that leaves him firmly aligned with MKP’s ideology and leadership.

In typical Montana fashion, he reserved special praise for former president Jacob Zuma, describing him as “a giant of our liberation struggle… and a champion of the rural and urban poor.”

For loyal MKP supporters online, his message struck a familiar tone: deep loyalty to Zuma, even as circumstances shift.

Another MP Resigns, A Trend or Coincidence?

Montana’s exit comes just a week after Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resigned from Parliament amid allegations linking her to the trafficking of South Africans to fight for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. She denies wrongdoing, but the story has drawn major international attention.

Two high-profile resignations, both in one month, have left political observers wondering whether the party is navigating turbulence behind the scenes.

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela confirmed Montana’s resignation, describing his contribution as “steadfast” and “principled.”

Despite accepting his departure, Ndhlela added that the party is “comforted” knowing Montana remains part of its broader political mission.

The Tax Storm Hanging Over Montana

While Montana gives only “personal reasons,” his ongoing battle with SARS has resurfaced in the public conversation.

Reports indicate that he is embroiled in a dispute over an alleged R55 million tax liability. Montana insists the figure is wildly inflated, claiming he owes just R8 million.

SARS, however, says its R55 million assessment is “lawful and based on audit findings,” alleging:

• multiple years of non-submission of tax returns

• ignored requests for documentation

• numerous deadline extensions

This long-running financial standoff has become part of Montana’s public image, another layer of complexity around his resignation.

Public Reaction: Suspicion, Support and a Lot of Speculation

South Africans online have not held back.

Some supporters applauded Montana’s continued loyalty to the MK Party, calling him “one of the few who stand firm with Msholozi.”

Others questioned the timing, suggesting his tax troubles may have made parliamentary scrutiny uncomfortable.

Political analysts argue that while Montana’s departure is framed as personal, the combination of internal party reshuffles, high-stakes investigations, and legal pressure cannot be ignored.

A Man Staying in the Movement, but Stepping Out of the Chamber

Montana leaves Parliament with warm words for Zuma, a promise of continued party loyalty, and more questions than answers.

Whatever the true motivation, his departure marks another significant shift within a party still defining its place in South Africa’s political landscape.

With high-profile resignations, internal tensions, and external legal battles, the MK Party enters 2025 facing a familiar test: proving it can maintain cohesion in a climate where every move is under scrutiny.

For Montana, the political chapter isn’t closedjust relocated outside the parliamentary benches.

{Source: IOL}

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