The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party expelled Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and former spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela on Thursday [1].
This move signals a tightening of internal discipline within the party, particularly as it involves the daughter of the party's founder, Jacob Zuma. The expulsions reflect a struggle to maintain a unified public front amid internal friction.
Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo said the decision during a media briefing, stating the expulsions took effect immediately on June 18 [1]. Party officials said the duo made unauthorized public statements and social-media posts that defied party unity [2].
Nomvalo said the party is not a "family stokvel" [3]. This phrase suggests that kinship to party leadership will not grant immunity from disciplinary actions or the rules governing member conduct.
Internal reviews found the members guilty of violating the party's constitution [4]. While some reports indicate the decision was driven by party president Jacob Zuma, other official accounts attribute the announcement to the Secretary-General's office [1].
The party's leadership said the actions of Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela were contrary to the organization's established protocols. The MK Party has not yet announced who will fill the vacancy left by the former spokesperson.
“the party is not a 'family stokvel'”
The expulsion of a high-profile member and the daughter of the party's own president indicates a shift toward institutional formalization over personal loyalty. By citing constitutional violations and unauthorized communications, the MK Party is attempting to establish a professional hierarchy and a single point of communication to avoid the volatility of fragmented social media messaging.
