MK Party
By Thabo Mosia
Cape Town – Senior uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) members Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela face accusations of causing chaos in South Africa’s Parliament, with leaked letters showing that party leader Dr Mandlakayise John Hlophe has raised serious concerns about their disruptive behaviour. The allegations point to a pattern of disrespect and division, leading to their removal from key roles and threats of tougher sanctions as internal tensions threaten the party’s unity and public image.
Top MK MPs Face Sanctions Over Disruptive Conduct
Leaked letters from within the MK Party have exposed a brewing storm involving two of its top MPs, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela. Dated between 20 June and 26 June 2025, these documents reveal a series of incidents where the pair allegedly disrupted parliamentary proceedings and party meetings, prompting swift action from the leadership.
A letter dated 23 June 2025, addressed to Nhlamulo Ndhlela, confirms his immediate removal from the Whippery Team, a group tasked with managing parliamentary activities. Signed by Dr Hlophe as Party Leader and Deputy President, it cites “operational challenges and conduct issues” as the reasons. Under the section “Reasons for Removal,” it lists “Disrespectful Communication,” stating: “repeated instances of rude, arrogant, and dismissive communication towards parliamentary members, including senior leadership, have been noted.” This behaviour, it says, undermined “the dignity and collaborative spirit required within the Whippery Team.”
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has not escaped scrutiny either. A separate document describes her actions during a caucus meeting: “Zuma-Sambudla further exacerbated the situation by interrupting proceedings, creating unnecessary chaos and disregarding repeated cautions to wait her turn.” It adds, “She noisily rose from her seat, grabbed her belongings, and exclaimed, ‘Are we not done?’ before sitting down when she realized no one followed her.” Her conduct, alongside Ndhlela’s, is said to clash with the MK Party’s values of “Ubuntu, Unity in Action, Honesty, and Respect.”
Another letter, addressed to both Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela by Dr Hlophe, accuses them of “obstruction of parliamentary communications” and “undermining unity and collaboration.” It states: “Your actions have caused delays and negatively impacted the party’s public image” by hindering media engagements and press briefings. It also claims their behaviour has “created divisions among parliamentary members” and been “factional, counterproductive, and contrary to the party’s principles of unity and collective action.” These actions violate Sections 3(1) and 11(1) of the MK Party Constitution and Disciplinary Code of Conduct, which forbid factionalism, disrespect, and division.
A third letter, dated 26 June 2025, from Dr Hlophe to President Jacob Zuma, provides an “Urgent Update on Parliamentary Challenges and Leadership Concerns.” It recounts an incident on 25 June 2025 during a Whippery meeting, where Ndhlela, despite his removal days earlier, attended and insulted Chief Whip Colleen Makhubele, calling her a “political novice and newcomer” who needed “political education.” Zuma-Sambudla is accused of worsening the situation by undermining both the Chief Whip and Dr Hlophe, with the letter noting: “This tirade was not only disrespectful but also a direct attack on the authority of the Chief Whip and the Party Leader.”
Dr Hlophe has warned that such conduct could push the MK Party to the sidelines in Parliament and hurt its support among South Africans. Both MPs have been removed from the Whippery Team to “restore unity, efficiency, and progress,” with the disciplinary committee now reviewing their cases for possible sanctions like suspension or expulsion.
Deepening Internal Tensions
The chaos in Parliament ties into broader tensions within the MK Party, particularly between Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Floyd Shivambu, the former secretary-general. Party insiders say Zuma-Sambudla may have influenced her father, Jacob Zuma, to demote Shivambu without clear evidence of wrongdoing. A prominent KwaZulu-Natal leader close to Shivambu remarked, “There is this issue between him and Duduzile, which has not died down, and we don’t know what she tells Nxamalala as his father when they are at home.”
Earlier this year, Zuma-Sambudla publicly attacked Shivambu on social media, calling him “the worst thing that has happened to the MK Party” and an “umafikizolo” (newcomer), alongside harsher words. She apologised four months ago after facing expulsion, but the apology was directed only to Jacob Zuma and the MK Party, leaving Shivambu out. The KwaZulu-Natal leader questioned its sincerity: “If you could take me to court demanding an apology, otherwise I will be incarcerated, I will have no choice but to apologise under duress.”
Shivambu hit back, claiming Jacob Zuma is surrounded by “political scoundrels” who exploit his kindness and age to steer the party astray and misuse its funds. He declined to comment on claims that the MK Party is a family-run operation but said his removal as secretary-general stemmed from false allegations of plotting against Zuma. At a Johannesburg media briefing, he revealed a fake WhatsApp message was used as “proof” he was conspiring with another leader to oust Zuma using parliamentary power and money from Stellenbosch business interests. “A letter of my expulsion was put into Zuma’s briefcase,” he said, adding it would be sent whenever Zuma decided to end his membership.
More Trouble in the Ranks
The MK Party’s woes extend beyond Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela. A leaked report highlights procedural failures in the firing of two employees, Dee Nesha Dicks-Phate and Gordon Sibuso Ngcobo, overseen by Chief of Staff Ambassador Vanessa Calvert. The terminations ignored “contractual obligations, procedural fairness, or South African labour laws,” sparking concerns about the party’s governance.
On 25 June 2025, the Chief Whip received tip-offs that Calvert tried to sabotage a caucus meeting set for 26 June by urging MPs to boycott or disrupt it and file complaints against the Chief Whip for “dominating proceedings.” The report calls her actions “disrespectful” and a “deliberate attempt to destabilize the caucus,” demanding disciplinary steps. Calvert also failed to submit a staff report due on 8 June 2025, despite reminders, delaying key decisions and drawing criticism for her office’s inefficiency. She was ordered to submit it by 4:00 PM on 26 June 2025, with threats of escalation if she missed the deadline.
Who Are the Key Players?
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla
As Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile wields significant influence in the MK Party. Known for her bold style, she’s been a driving force since its start in 2023. A letter dated 20 June 2025 urged her to align with the party’s vision, but her clashes with Shivambu and disruptive antics in Parliament have put her in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Nhlamulo Ndhlela
A senior MP and the party’s spokesperson, Ndhlela brings experience but has stumbled with his recent behaviour. His removal from the Whippery Team on 23 June 2025 followed reports of arrogance and disrespect, with further incidents on 25 June cementing the leadership’s frustration.
Dr Mandlakayise John Hlophe
A former judge turned politician, Dr Hlophe joined the MK Party in 2024 after a rocky judicial career. As Party Leader and Deputy President, he’s pushing for discipline, using his legal know-how to tackle the chaos head-on.
Floyd Shivambu
Once a rising star in the EFF, Shivambu joined the MK Party in August 2024, becoming secretary-general. His demotion and looming expulsion have fuelled speculation about his next move, with talks of a new party in the works.
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