uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party
By Nkosana Khumalo
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, under the leadership of former President Jacob Zuma, has announced a new provincial leadership structure for Mpumalanga. On 16 January 2024, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane was appointed as the provincial convenor, marking a significant shift in the party’s provincial dynamics.
Leadership Restructuring in Mpumalanga
The MK Party’s national executive, guided by Zuma, confirmed Mkhwebane’s appointment to fill the leadership void in Mpumalanga. This decision follows a series of internal challenges and aims to stabilise the party’s presence in the province. Mkhwebane, the former Public Protector, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Joining Mkhwebane in the provincial leadership are:
1. Charles Masombuka: Deputy Convenor
2. AB Mkhatshwa: Coordinator
3. Dr. Nelisiwe Msibi: Deputy Coordinator
4. Skhwameni Nkuna: Organiser
5. Njabulo KaChibi: Deputy Organiser
6. Donald Maphanga: Fundraiser
7. Mbalenhle Masinga: Deputy Fundraiser
These appointments were made after thorough consultations with party officials, reflecting a strategic move to strengthen the MK Party’s leadership in Mpumalanga.
Controversies Surrounding Mary Phadi
The leadership change comes amid controversies involving the former provincial leader, Mary Phadi. Phadi, a prominent businesswoman and president of the Truckers Association of South Africa, faced serious allegations, including orchestrating an assassination plot against her provincial rival, General Tough Mdluli. Mdluli reported receiving death threats and voice recordings discussing the alleged plot, leading to a police investigation. 
In addition to these allegations, Phadi was accused of tampering with the MK Party’s provincial list, positioning herself at the top without due process. Despite the gravity of these accusations, Phadi contested her removal, initiating legal proceedings to clear her name. In November 2024, the Mpumalanga High Court issued an interim order reinstating her as the party’s provincial leader and as a member of the Mpumalanga provincial legislature. 
However, the court’s decision sparked mixed reactions within the party. Some members accused Phadi of misappropriating party funds and damaging the MK Party’s reputation. In December 2024, the party officially expelled Phadi, citing the severity of the allegations and her inadequate responses. The leadership described the decision as “irrevocable.” 
Mkhwebane’s Vision for Mpumalanga
Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s appointment is viewed as a strategic effort to stabilise the MK Party in Mpumalanga. Her experience as the former Public Protector is expected to bring accountability and integrity to the party’s provincial leadership. Mkhwebane has expressed her commitment to uniting the party and focusing on its core mandate: the total liberation of the people. She emphasized the importance of moving beyond past controversies to build a cohesive and effective provincial structure.
National Implications and Party Dynamics
The MK Party’s leadership changes in Mpumalanga reflect broader dynamics within the party at the national level. The inclusion of figures like Mkhwebane and former KwaZulu-Natal premier Willies Mchunu, who was appointed as the party’s convenor in KwaZulu-Natal, indicates a strategic move to strengthen the party’s leadership across provinces. These appointments are seen as efforts to promote accountability and integrity in governance. 
However, these changes have not been without controversy. Some party members have expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of new leaders, leading to protests and internal disagreements. During the announcement of Mkhwebane and Mchunu’s appointments, a group of MK Party supporters protested, expressing concerns over the selection process and the sidelining of long-standing members. Zuma addressed these concerns, urging members to avoid factionalism and gate-keeping, emphasizing the party’s commitment to its objectives. 
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