The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party expelled Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela with immediate effect on Thursday [2].
This move signals a deepening internal rift within the party, as the leadership removes high-profile figures to consolidate control and eliminate perceived dissent.
Party leader Jacob Zuma attended the media briefing in Johannesburg where the decision was announced [1]. The expulsion followed a meeting of the party's national officials held the night before [2].
Officials said the pair sowed division and brought the MK party into disrepute [3]. The party said the members disrespected its constitution and leadership, actions that undermined the unity of the organization [4].
According to party officials, the conduct leading to the expulsion included the use of social-media posts and unauthorized briefings [5]. These actions were cited as primary reasons for the immediate removal of both individuals [6].
Zuma-Sambudla previously served as a member of parliament for the party from June 2024 until her resignation in November 2024 [1].
The party did not provide specific details on which social-media posts triggered the disciplinary action, but said the conduct of Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela made their positions untenable [5].
“The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party expelled Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela with immediate effect”
The expulsion of Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela highlights the volatility within the MK Party as it attempts to enforce strict ideological and structural discipline. By removing members who utilize independent communication channels and social media to challenge the leadership, Jacob Zuma is asserting centralized authority over the party's public narrative and internal governance.
