Former president Jacob Zuma has appointed his son, Duduzane Zuma, as the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s first deputy president as part of a sweeping leadership reconfiguration that has seen several senior leaders removed from their positions and new appointments made across the party’s top structures.
The changes were announced in a statement issued by MK Party national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu on Tuesday, with the party saying the reconfiguration is aimed at strengthening the organisation, enhancing its effectiveness and consolidating its structures.
As part of the shake-up, Zuma relieved Nkosinathi Nhleko of his responsibilities as the party’s national chairperson with immediate effect.
He thanked Nhleko for his dedication, commitment and service to the party, saying he had made a significant contribution to building the organisation.
Zuma also removed Dr John Hlophe as the MK Party’s first deputy president but confirmed that he would remain the party’s parliamentary leader in the National Assembly.
“The President extends his sincere gratitude to Dr Hlophe for his leadership, dedication and invaluable contribution to the growth and strengthening of the MK Party and wishes him well in his continued service to the organisation,” the statement said.
Nomsa Dlamini was also relieved of her duties as deputy secretary-general.
To fill the vacancies, Zuma appointed Rev. Phakathi as the party’s national chairperson, while confirming Tony Yengeni as second deputy president.
Willis Mchunu was appointed to serve as part of the MK Party Presidency collective, where he will provide strategic advice, organisational guidance and support while continuing in his role as the party’s KwaZulu-Natal provincial leader.
Lindiwe Mtshali was appointed deputy secretary-general with immediate effect.
In another major organisational change, Zuma dissolved the Strategic Presidential Team with immediate effect, saying it would cease to exist in any capacity within the party’s structures.
The party said it would not accept responsibility for any commitments, contracts, obligations or financial liabilities entered into by members of the dissolved team without its authorisation.
At the same time, Zuma reinstated the Presidential Task Team (PTT), which will resume its responsibilities under his direction.
The statement also confirmed that Zandile “Zandi” Hlophe and Sibonelo Maphumulo, as members of the Presidential Task Team, are the MK Party’s authorised representatives and signatories with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), responsible for all statutory and electoral matters requiring the party’s representation.
Zuma further directed Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo and Treasurer-General Brian Molefe to return to work and immediately resume their full responsibilities.
As a result, the moratorium previously imposed on matters relating to the party’s finances, the secretariat and communications has been lifted.
The MK Party president also confirmed that he would personally exercise political oversight over the organisation, including its finances, secretariat and all key organisational functions.
The statement also addressed media reports relating to an alleged forensic report involving the party.
According to Zuma, the MK Party has neither received nor seen any such report.
“The President wishes to place it on record that the Party has not been furnished with, nor has it had sight of, any such forensic report,” the statement said.
Zuma said he had directed that the report and all supporting documentation be submitted to him before any determinations are made.
“The President will only be in a position to make any necessary determinations after having reviewed the facts, the contents of the report and all relevant information relating to the matter,” the statement added.
The party said it remains committed to transparency, accountability and due process in dealing with all organisational matters.
Zuma also reaffirmed his full confidence in Sifiso Mahlangu, stating that he remains the MK Party’s duly appointed national spokesperson and the organisation’s sole authorised spokesperson.