A bitter internal dispute has erupted within the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), with the party’s National Assembly Chief Whip,Philasande Mkhize, accusing fellow MP Phumlani Khubukeli of waging a malicious campaign to destroy her political career after she spurned his romantic advances.
In a strongly worded formal caution addressed to Khubukeli, Mkhize accuses him of repeatedly making false allegations to the party president Jacob Zuma, including claims that she attends parliamentary sittings under the influence of alcohol and leaves Parliament during proceedings to imbibe ale before returning to the National Assembly.
Mkhize describes the allegations as “false, malicious, defamatory and deeply damaging” to her integrity, reputation and position as Chief Whip, denying them in the strongest terms.
The letter goes beyond denying the allegations, alleging that Khubukeli’s actions are driven by personal and political motives.
According to Mkhize, she previously rejected attempts by Khubukeli to pursue a romantic relationship with her. She further alleges that Khubukeli harbours ambitions of becoming the party’s Chief Whip and is seeking to discredit her leadership to create the impression that she is unfit to hold the position.
“Whether motivated by personal resentment, political ambition or any other reason, such conduct is unacceptable,” Mkhize states in the letter.
She further argues that neither her refusal to know him in a biblical sense nor Khubukeli’s political aspirations entitle him to retaliate by attacking her character or undermining her office through what she describes as false allegations.
Mkhize has formally demanded that Khubukeli immediately cease and desist making, repeating or circulating what she calls false, malicious and unverified claims about her to any individual, including members and leaders of the party.
She also warns that should the alleged conduct continue, she will pursue both organisational and legal actions against him. These include disciplinary proceedings within the nascent MK Party as well as civil action for defamation, damages and any appropriate interdictory relief.
The letter concludes by describing itself as a formal warning, stating that no further warning should be expected if the alleged conduct persists.
MK Party National Spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said :” I have only just seen the letter as you sent it to me. The Chief Whip Philasande Mkhize confirms that she wrote the letter however we are still assessing the facts and do not want to comment without evidence.
Our caucus is united, misunderstandings happen in every organisation. There is no alarm here.
As you know, President Zuma is a unifier, we will respond officially when we have all the facts.”