The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has removed Sibonelo Nomvalo as its secretary-general and appointed Lindiwe Mtshali as acting secretary-general, marking another change in the party’s leadership since its formation in December 2023.
In a statement issued by the Office of Party President Jacob Zuma, the party said Nomvalo had been relieved of his duties following concerns about the councillor selection process and several internal administrative and organisational matters.
These include alleged internal factionalism, issues relating to dual remuneration, delays in campaign materials and changes within the parliamentary caucus and administration that were reportedly not communicated to the party’s senior leadership.
The statement also cited the establishment of high-level deployment committees without the knowledge of relevant party leadership structures.
“These matters have raised concerns regarding organisational coordination, internal communication, accountability and adherence to established Party procedures,” the statement reads.
The party acknowledged Nomvalo’s contribution and requested that he cooperate with the relevant structures to ensure a smooth handover.
Mtshali will serve as acting secretary-general and work in consultation with National Chairperson Mxolisi Phakathi to oversee the party’s coordination, administration and organisational affairs.
Meanwhile, national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu will take on additional responsibilities associated with the office of the deputy secretary-general, sharing these functions with Mtshali while retaining his spokesperson position.
The party said the interim arrangement was intended to maintain organisational continuity, strengthen accountability and ensure the effective implementation of decisions taken by its authorised leadership structures.
It also called on its national, provincial, regional and branch structures to cooperate with the newly appointed officials and ensure that administrative processes and official communications comply with the party’s constitution and established procedures.
A revolving door of secretaries-general
Nomvalo’s removal adds to the frequent leadership changes at the MK Party since its launch on 16 December 2023.
The party has had eight people occupy the secretary-general position, including Nomvalo, whose appointment in March 2026 followed the removal of his predecessor, Dr Bongani Mncwango.
The previous officeholders and their reported timelines are:
Thanduxolo “Gorbachev” Dyodo: The party’s first interim secretary-general following its formation in December 2023. He was removed in April 2024.
Sihle Ngubane: Appointed in March 2024 and later left the position in June 2024 to take up a parliamentary role.
Arthur Zwane: Appointed in June 2024. He attempted to resign in July, but his resignation was initially not accepted. He was subsequently relieved of his duties at the end of July 2024.
Dr Sifiso Maseko: Appointed in July 2024, but his tenure was interrupted by Zwane’s brief reinstatement. Maseko later returned to his position in the Gauteng Department of Health and resigned from the party post in November 2024.
Floyd Shivambu: Appointed on 10 November 2024. He was removed from the party’s senior leadership in June 2025 and redeployed to Parliament.
Dr Bongani Mncwango: Appointed in August 2025 and removed in March 2026.
Advocate Sibonelo Nomvalo: Appointed in March 2026, replacing Mncwango. He has now been relieved of his duties.
The party has not yet announced a permanent replacement for Nomvalo.
The latest changes come as political parties prepare for the 2026 local government elections, with the MK Party facing the task of coordinating its candidate selection, campaign activities and structures across the country.
The party reiterated its commitment to unity, discipline, collective leadership and accountability, urging members to place the interests of the organisation above individual considerations.
“The Party comes first. Unity, discipline and accountability remain our collective responsibility,” the statement reads.
