The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has expelled former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and former party spokesperson Nhlamulo Mdhlela with immediate effect, accusing them of conduct that undermined organisational unity, discipline and leadership authority.
The announcement was made by MK Party Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo during a media briefing in Joburg on Thursday, where the party outlined the outcomes of a meeting of its national officials and addressed recent internal developments.
“Accordingly, the MK Party hereby announces the expulsion of Ms Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Mr Nhlamulo Ndlela from the party with immediate effect,” Nomvalo said.
“Their membership of the MK Party is hereby terminated, and they shall no longer enjoy any rights, privileges, responsibilities or authority associated with membership of the organisation.”
The expulsions follow weeks of internal turmoil within the party, with both Zuma-Sambudla and Mdhlela accused of sowing divisions within the organisation.
Mdhlela was suspended and removed as party spokesperson in May, while Zuma-Sambudla publicly criticised the decision and openly voiced support for him. Her comments prompted the party to distance itself from her adding that her comments as an ordinary member of the MKP, do not resonate with the interests of the party.
Addressing the media, Nomvalo said the national officials had considered a series of actions, public statements and activities by the two members which were found to be in conflict with the MK Party constitution and the obligations expected of members and leaders.
According to the party, Mdhlela repeatedly made public statements and social media posts that undermined organisational unity, promoted factional narratives, publicly discredited recognised party leadership structures, challenged the legitimacy of party decisions and brought internal organisational matters into the public domain.
“These actions have contributed to divisions within the movement and have undermined confidence in the collective leadership of the organisation,” Nomvalo said.
The party further accused Mdhlela of participating in and promoting activities outside officially sanctioned party programmes, which it said created confusion among members and supporters regarding the organisation’s official positions and programmes.
The MK Party also levelled allegations against Zuma-Sambudla, accusing her of acting without organisational authority, convening and addressing media briefings without approval from recognised party structures, misrepresenting party positions and participating in unauthorised activities.
Nomvalo said the conduct of both members had created confusion regarding official party processes and leadership arrangements.
The party also raised concerns about the conduct of Zuma-Sambudla and Mdhlela following the illness and subsequent death of MK Party Member of Parliament MK Party
Mzikayise ‘Muzi’ Ntshingila.
Ntshingila passed away earlier this month following a prolonged illness. He played a key role in the party’s rise during the 2024 general elections.
According to Nomvalo, the Zuma-Zambudla and Mdhlela became involved in matters relating to Ntshingila’s medical care without the knowledge of his family.
“Ms Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Mr Mdhlela participated in an activity that resulted in the transfer of an ailing Mr Ntshingila to another health facility without the knowledge of the family,” Nomvalo said.
“The party notes that neither individual had any authority to involve themselves in matters related to Mr Ntshingila’s illness or to separate him from his family.”
The party further alleged that concerns had been raised regarding the removal of Ntshingila’s personal belongings from his parliamentary residence without the knowledge of his family.
Nomvalo said complaints had also been received from the Ntshingila family regarding public commentary and conduct surrounding the deceased.
According to the party, Parliamentary Leader Dr John Hlophe had instructed both Zuma-Sambudla and Mdhlela not to attend the funeral proceedings and to refrain from making public statements, commentary or social media posts that could cause further distress to the family.
The MK Party said both members failed to comply with those instructions.
“Ms Zuma-Sambudla subsequently participated in social media commentary relating to the deceased. The party regards this conduct as insensitive and disrespectful to a grieving family and inconsistent with the standards expected of members of the organisation,” Nomvalo said.
“As the party, we extend our deepest apologies to the Ntshingila family for any distress caused during this difficult period.”
In addition, Nomvalo said the decision to expel of Zuma Sambudla and Mdhlela the was taken in accordance with the party constitution, which grants party president Jacob Zuma the authority to issue binding presidential decrees on matters relating to the operation, administration and policy direction of the organisation.
The expulsions mark the latest chapter in an escalating internal dispute within the MK Party, which has played out publicly in recent months amid growing tensions among senior figures in the organisation.