MK Party denies leadership dispute

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Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has dismissed claims of an alleged dispute between its chief whip Mzwanele Manyi and party leader, John Hlophe.

According to reports, despite writing and preparing ahead, Hlophe was allegedly given a speech by Manyi for the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the 11th hour.

IS THERE TROUBLE IN PARADISE IN THE MK PARTY?

Ndhlela said false claims have been circulating on social media including an outright fabrication of a supposed “physical altercation”, between the two leaders in Parliament.

“We categorically state that these allegations are entirely baseless. It is disingenuous to characterise internal party discussions as a ‘fight’, let alone a physical confrontation.

“Such distortions serve only to mislead the public and undermine the MK Party’s credibility and our principles of discipline.

“MK Party wants to state that, against the wishes of those who fear the power of the MK Party and attempt to drive a wedge amongst our leadership, we remain united and steadfast in our mission to serve the people of South Africa,” he said.

DUDUZILE ZUMA-SAMBUDLA APOLOGISES FOR X RANT

Meanwhile, the Zuma-led party slammed the social media posts made by the party’s member of Parliament, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, insulting secretary-general Floyd Shivambu, saying they are unacceptable and constitute a direct violation of the party’s disciplinary code of conduct.

On Monday night, 10 February, Zuma-Sambudla – who was recently charged with incitement to commit violence over the July unrest in 2021, took to X and insulted Shivambu, calling him useless and the “worst thing that has ever happened to the MK Party”.

In a series of posts, Zuma-Sambudla said Shivambu – who joined the Jacob Zuma-led party in August 2024 after resigning from the EFF – is a useless newcomer.

“Floyd, I’m not scared of you. Tell your minions to f*ck off. Bloody Mafikizolo’s,” she wrote in one of the posts on X.

Following the rant, Zuma instructed her 42-year-old daughter to issue an unconditional public apology to the secretary-general, the president, members, supporters of uMkhonto weSizwe, and all the people of South Africa. Additionally, she was instructed to Extend formal apologies to all structures she serves in or leads, including the Southern Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament.