MK Party president Jacob Zuma has removed Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi as the party’s eThekwini mayoral candidate amid an investigation into alleged irregularities involving councillor candidate lists.
According to The Citizen, Hlophe-Mkhwanazi was removed just days after being announced as the party’s candidate to lead the metro.
The MK Party has also removed Hlophe-Mkhwanazi and Sibonelo Maphumulo from its National Party Liaison Committee.
MK Party investigates candidate lists
MK Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said the organisation had launched an investigation into claims that councillor candidate lists submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission were manipulated.
The allegations include claims that legitimate candidates were removed from the lists and replaced by other names.
Mahlangu said Zuma viewed the allegations seriously and that anyone found responsible would face action under the party’s rules and procedures.
The claims remain allegations while the party’s investigation continues.
The MK Party said it would not tolerate manipulation, political gatekeeping or abuse of its internal processes.
New eThekwini candidate appointed
Zuma has appointed Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi as the MK Party’s new mayoral candidate for the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality with immediate effect.
Mahlangu said Zuma and the party’s national officials had congratulated Phakathi on his appointment and wished him success in the role.
The change comes as parties prepare for the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
Zuma disbands task team again
The shake-up extends beyond the eThekwini mayoral race.
According to The Citizen, Zuma has also disbanded the MK Party’s Presidential Task Team, a structure that has previously been dissolved.
The party said the decisions were aimed at protecting the integrity of its processes as well as the interests of members, candidates and voters.
It also apologised to affected party structures for the uncertainty caused by the developments.
Zuma called on MK Party members to move beyond the internal challenges, unite behind the party’s candidates and focus on the November local government elections.