Zuma’s Ally Phumlani Mfeka Set to Take Helm as MK Party Secretary-General Amid Controversy

The MK party is about to see its sixth secretary-general take the reins — and this time, it looks like the appointment will be Phumlani Mfeka, a traditional leader and a trusted loyalist of former President Jacob Zuma.

This reshuffle comes hot on the heels of the sudden removal of Floyd Shivambu, the party’s current secretary-general. The reason? Shivambu’s recent trip to Malawi, where he visited the controversial Enlightened Christian Gathering Church led by Shepherd Bushiri, a prophet with a clouded reputation and an international fugitive.

Why Shivambu’s Malawi Visit Stirred Trouble

Zuma and the MK party’s top brass viewed Shivambu’s visit as a breach of the party’s core values — a move that reportedly risked tarnishing MK’s image. Zuma himself highlighted that numerous complaints flooded in, reflecting public unease about the party’s association with Bushiri.

In a statement, Shivambu acknowledged the party’s decision and expressed regret, noting that his Malawi visit was inconsistent with MK’s constitution. The incident has triggered a larger conversation on the party’s direction and its commitment to principles that resonate with its base.

Phumlani Mfeka: Zuma’s Man and Traditional Leadership Stalwart

Mfeka isn’t just any candidate; he carries deep roots in traditional leadership circles and is seen as Zuma’s point man in those communities. He’s also the founder of Injeje YabeNguni, an organisation advocating for traditional leaders, healers, and the Nguni people.

Interestingly, Mfeka resigned from both his MPL position and the MK party earlier this year after making serious allegations against senior party leaders. But his comeback in May reignited speculation about a potential shake-up at the top.

A leaked document quoted by News24 praises Mfeka as an intellectual strategist, capable of steering the MK party back to its foundational values of comradeship, culture, and revolutionary spirit — themes many South Africans, especially those in KwaZulu-Natal and rural areas, hold dear.

A Contested Appointment and What It Means

Before Mfeka emerged as the frontrunner, other notable figures such as Bongani Baloyi, former DA member and Xiluva leader, and impeached former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane were also in the mix. Their consideration reflects the ongoing tug-of-war within MK between different political currents and visions.

Mfeka’s ascendancy signals a potential reassertion of traditionalist and Zuma-aligned influences within the party. For many, this appointment is a return to “old-school” politics rooted in KwaZulu-Natal’s cultural and political networks — a move that might either consolidate support or alienate newer factions within MK.

What South Africans Are Saying

Social media platforms have been abuzz since the news broke. Supporters of Zuma’s faction welcomed Mfeka’s rise, praising his dedication to traditional values and promising leadership. Others, however, express concern about what this means for party unity and its ability to attract a broader national following.

Critics point to Shivambu’s removal as evidence of a deeper crisis in MK — one that highlights internal power struggles overshadowing policy and governance. Many call for the party to focus on its stated revolutionary goals rather than personalities and factionalism.

The Road Ahead for MK Party

The MK party’s journey since its founding in December 2023 has been anything but smooth, with five different secretaries-general before Mfeka’s likely appointment. This instability has raised questions about the party’s long-term viability and relevance in South Africa’s crowded political landscape.

Phumlani Mfeka’s new role, backed by Zuma, could herald a period of consolidation — or deepen factional divides that have so far hampered MK’s growth. For ordinary South Africans watching closely, the hope is for a party that can unify, uphold its principles, and truly represent its grassroots supporters without losing sight of the bigger national picture.

{Source: The Citizen}

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