MK Party says Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla is an ordinary member as leadership tensions flare

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has confirmed that Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla is an ordinary member and holds no elected or appointed national leadership position, the party said as it moved to reassert internal discipline amid ongoing tensions.

Clarifying authority after a public dispute

The clarification follows internal divisions linked to the removal and suspension of former party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela. Party secretary‑general Sibonelo Nomvalo announced at a media briefing that a statement which suggested President Jacob Zuma and the party’s national command structure had been disbanded and replaced by a body called the MKP Institute had been dismissed and nullified.

Removal and suspension

Nomvalo confirmed that Ndhlela had been removed from his role as a Member of Parliament and national spokesperson and that his membership had been suspended pending an investigation into alleged misconduct. He said the decision followed accusations that Ndhlela had been “sowing division and putting the party into disrepute.”

Social media reaction and party response

The developments prompted a public backlash from Zuma‑Sambudla on the social media platform X, where she defended Ndhlela and described him as a “sacrificial lamb.” In one post quoted by the party, she wrote:

“They will never erase you as they were not even here when we defeated all the charlatans, including Jabulani Khumalo,”

and added that “there would be ‘no MKP of President Zuma standing today without you by my side.'”

Reasserting discipline and communication channels

At a national officials meeting, Nomvalo said the party emphasised that official positions “are determined and communicated through authorised party structures and designated officials.” He urged members and supporters to distinguish between personal views expressed by individuals and official organisational positions.

Nomvalo also stressed that all members are bound by the party’s constitution and code of conduct “no matter what position they hold in the organisation,” and that internal discipline and adherence to protocol remain central to the party’s functioning.