‘If you mess around, we will remove you’: Duduzane Zuma warns MK members

uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party first deputy president Duduzane Zuma issued a stern warning to party members on Sunday, stating that anyone failing to deliver results would face immediate removal from their positions. Speaking to a cheering crowd at a party rally in uMlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, Duduzane Zuma declared that individuals holding power who did not fulfill their mandates would be dismissed. He emphasized that this threat applied to all levels of governance, including municipal and local government roles. The remarks came shortly after MK Party president Jacob Zuma removed secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo from his post, citing multiple internal failures. The dismissal of Nomvalo occurred just thirteen days before the local government elections scheduled for November 4, 2026. Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu announced the change late on Thursday, noting that the decision was effective immediately. Mahlangu stated that Nomvalo was relieved of his duties due to concerns regarding the councillor selection process, internal factionalism, delays in campaign materials, and unauthorized changes to parliamentary administration. The announcement highlighted issues with organizational coordination, internal communication, and accountability. Nomvalo, who served as the party’s eighth secretary-general in less than two years, was appointed in March after replacing Bongani Mncwango, who held the position for only seven months. Before becoming secretary-general, Nomvalo resigned from his seat in Parliament, where he had served as a member of an ad hoc investigative committee. Jacob Zuma, the 84-year-old party president, has not appeared publicly on the campaign trail for weeks due to health issues. The party confirmed that Zuma was fit and in a cheerful mood after spending more than a week at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. Doctors identified fatigue and recommended a period of rest under medical supervision. Despite his absence, Zuma maintained control over party operations. In a letter dated October 22, Zuma ordered the reversal of recent changes to the party’s parliamentary structure. He instructed parliamentary leader John Hlophe to restore the whippery’s composition to its previous state, undoing moves announced on October 13. Those changes had placed party deployments and constituency responsibilities under the Office of the Chief Whip and resulted in the removal of several long-standing allies, including Adil Nchabeleng, David Skosana, and Pinky Mngadi. Zuma stressed that Hlophe remained the Party Leader in Parliament and that his authority should be respected. He demanded that future changes follow proper consultation channels with national leadership structures. In a separate directive, Zuma formally notified Nomvalo of his removal from both the secretary-general role and the party’s National Assembly caucus. The president cited specific grievances, including the establishment of high-level deployment committees without presidential knowledge and potential dual remuneration from the National Assembly and the party. Zuma required Nomvalo to cooperate fully in ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities. To fill the vacancy, the party appointed deputy secretary-general Lindiwe Mtshali to the role. She will work in consultation with national chairperson Mxolisi Phakathi to maintain continuity in administrative and organizational affairs. Additionally, Sifiso Mahlangu will assume additional responsibilities associated with the deputy secretary-general office while retaining his position as national spokesperson. This interim arrangement aims to strengthen coordination and ensure the effective execution of leadership decisions. Duduzane Zuma framed the upcoming elections as a critical milestone for the party’s future. He described the November 4 vote as a stepping stone toward the 2029 general election. He noted that incoming mayor William Zamokwakhe Khumalo, the party’s candidate for the uMgungundlovu region, had mentioned that Jacob Zuma was tired of campaigning. Duduzane Zuma suggested that many supporters felt similarly, describing the political lifestyle as unsuitable for everyone. He argued that running municipalities effectively was the primary opportunity for the party to demonstrate its capability to the public. The MK Party, founded by Jacob Zuma as a challenge to the ruling African National Congress (ANC), emerged as the largest opposition force in Parliament after the 2024 elections. It prevented the ANC from securing an absolute majority and remains particularly strong in KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma’s home province. However, frequent turnover in leadership positions has raised questions about the party’s stability. Critics suggest that the rapid replacement of key figures creates uncertainty ahead of crucial electoral tests. The internal turmoil coincides with broader shifts in the party’s parliamentary representation. New whips, including Emerald Khwenzokuhle Madlala, Sanele Greegory Mwali, Pinky Mngadi, Sihle Ngubane, and Wesley Douglas, were appointed effective October 12. They replaced a group of long-standing Zuma allies, such as Visvin Reddy, David Skosana, and Siyabonga Gama, who faced accusations related to state capture. The constant reshuffling of personnel has characterized the party’s trajectory since its inception. Leadership positions within MK are not elected but appointed directly by Zuma, centralizing power within the presidency. This centralized approach has led to repeated dismissals, with the current secretary-general being the eighth to hold the office in under two years. Observers note that the combination of leadership instability and the aging president’s health concerns presents a delicate situation for the party. As the election date approaches, the focus remains on how the party manages its internal dynamics while attempting to secure municipal victories that could bolster its standing for the 2029 contest. The party expects all national, provincial, regional, and branch structures to acknowledge the leadership changes and provide full cooperation to the newly appointed officials.