MK Party Legal War Erupts as Ndhlela Threatens to Sue Shivambu Over Drug Claims

A party in turmoil as reputations, legal threats, and public image collide in South Africa’s newest political battlefield

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is once again in the headlines, not for policy or political progress, but for a bitter and very public feud between top figures. What began as an explosive TV interview has spiralled into a full-blown legal drama, with the party’s national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, threatening to drag former secretary-general Floyd Shivambu to court.

At the centre of the storm? Allegations that Ndhlela is a habitual drug user and liar accusations broadcast on national television and now echoed across social media.

The eNCA Interview That Lit the Fuse

The drama ignited during a June 23 interview on eNCA, where Shivambu, no longer holding an official MK Party position, took direct aim at Ndhlela, claiming he was “always on drugs and always high on alcohol,” and had “lied to Jacob Zuma with pride.”

The comments, shared widely on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, have sparked outrage from Ndhlela and his legal team. The lawyers at Ndou Inc Attorneys wasted no time, issuing a formal letter of demand to Shivambu on June 24, accusing him of defamation and character assassination.

Their demand is clear: retract, apologise, and correct the record or face court.

What the Legal Team Wants

In a hard-hitting statement, Ndhlela’s attorneys called the remarks “false, malicious, and defamatory,” asserting that they violate his constitutional rights to dignity and reputation.

They’ve demanded that Shivambu:

• Publicly retract the comments on his X account

• Pin the retraction for at least seven days

• Issue a full, unconditional apology acknowledging the falsehood of the claims

• Contact eNCA to request a televised correction

• Prepare for a defamation lawsuit and damages if he fails to comply within 48 hours

Their tone leaves no room for ambiguity: “Social media cannot be a lawless space where individuals are slandered without consequence.”

Ndhlela Fights Back

Not one to retreat quietly, Ndhlela has already offered to undergo drug testing to clear his name, a move likely meant to signal confidence and transparency. Sources inside the MK Party say the comments have deepened internal divisions, with some members calling for unity, while others fan the flames.

Behind the scenes, the feud appears to stem from a power struggle and rift in party leadership, which has grown increasingly visible since the 2024 national elections.

Wider Implications for MK Party

The public clash comes at a time when the MK Party is attempting to establish itself as a serious political force following its surprise showing at the polls. However, internal discord, accusations of misconduct, and now lawsuits risk undermining the party’s momentum.

Observers say the public airing of dirty laundry not only weakens the MK brand but raises questions about governance, discipline, and leadership unity.

“This is not just a spat,” political analyst Busisiwe Madonsela told IOL. “It speaks to deep fractures inside a party still struggling to define its identity and the damage could be lasting.”

Clock Ticking on Legal Showdown

As the 48-hour deadline looms, all eyes are on Shivambu. Will he back down and issue the apology, or will this political brawl end up in court?

One thing’s certain: the MK Party’s war of words is now a test of legal firepower and a reflection of the storm brewing behind its polished campaign slogans.

For a party that promises to fight for justice, it now finds itself fighting from within.

{Source: IOL}

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