A political storm is gathering around two prominent Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) figures, Joy Mbewana and Thokozani “Tzozo” Zulu.
It is alleged that the ANC-aligned pair have been quietly cultivating relationships with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).
Mbewana is CCIFSA’s former national president, while Zulu is the former federation’s KwaZulu-Natal chairperson.
Africa Daily has evidence showing Mbewana and Zulu in an engagement with MKP figures.
According to sources, the pair is trying to position themselves within the MKP while publicly remaining associated with the ANC.
One source described the alleged political manoeuvring as an open secret,
“They are physically with the ANC but are actually working for the MKP. They have openly attended MKP gatherings,” the source revealed.
Africa Daily has also been told that the two allegedly expressed grievances to senior MKP figures over their treatment in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Their main complaint is being sidelined by the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU). They complained that they have been shut out of opportunities they previously enjoyed when the ANC was firmly in power,” said another source.
The timing and context of the alleged engagements are impossible to ignore.
KwaZulu-Natal has become one of the most politically volatile battlegrounds in the country, with the MKP having emerged as a major political force and the ANC struggling to maintain its traditional dominance.
Against that backdrop, allegations that ANC-aligned individuals could be quietly cultivating relationships with the MKP inevitably raise questions about political positioning, access and influence.
Anonymous sources who spoke to Africa Daily characterise the alleged engagements as an attempt by Mbewana and Zulu to reposition themselves politically amid what they perceive as a changing landscape.
MKP national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu did not confirm or deny the allegations. Instead, he argued that political meetings are just political meetings.
“The party does not regard routine engagements, meetings, or interactions with political figures as evidence of recruitment, defection, negotiations, or the offer of political positions. Nor does the MKP believe that speculation should be elevated into established fact simply because photographs or other material purporting to show individuals together have been obtained.
“If the two individuals have made formal application to join the MKP, accepted a position, or been appointed to a party structure, such matters will be communicated through the appropriate party channels when and if the party considers it necessary to do so,” he continued.
He said that MKP is open to engaging with South Africans across political and social formations.
The ANC’s provincial Spokesperson, Sifiso Sonjica adopted a similarly defensive position and said.
“The ANC’s position is unequivocal, no individual, political party or organisation owns the people of South Africa or has the authority to dictate who citizens may meet, speak to, engage with or associate with.
“An individual meeting does not, in itself, constitute a breach of ANC policy, its Constitution or disciplinary rules.
“The ANC is not aware of any formal communication from the individuals referred to indicating an intention to leave the organisation.
“Allegations of dissatisfaction, political grievances, lost opportunities or engagements with other political formations remain claims that must be substantiated by those making them/ confirmed by the individuals concerned,” said Sonjica.
He maintained that South Africa is a ” constitutional democracy and the right of individuals to associate freely is protected.
Political organisations must respect that democratic principle rather than attempt to claim ownership over people and their personal choices.
“The ANC does not own people and it certainly does not prescribe who they may engage, speak to or associate with, ” said Sonjica.
Africa Daily approached both Mbewana and Zulu with detailed questions about the alleged meetings and their political relationship with the MKP.
They were specifically asked whether they had met MKP leaders, what was discussed, whether they had raised complaints about being sidelined under the GNU, whether they had discussed joining the MKP and whether they had sought political positions or opportunities from the party.
Neither had responded by the time of publication.