Fresh divisions appear to be surfacing within the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) after Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla publicly questioned the suspension of former party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, exposing growing tensions inside the organisation.
Ndhlela’s removal follows a controversial media briefing held over the weekend, where senior MKP leaders, including former President Jacob Zuma, announced plans for a think tank that was described as a higher authority within what the party called a liberation movement structure. The proposal sparked confusion and criticism after it appeared to sideline existing party leadership structures.
In response, the MKP leadership later distanced itself from the announcement during an emergency media briefing on Sunday night, saying the statement did not reflect official party policy or constitutional processes.
MKP Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo said the initiative exceeded the powers of those involved and was inconsistent with party structures. Shortly afterwards, Ndhlela was suspended and instructed to immediately return party property, including electronic devices and login credentials, pending an internal investigation.
Zuma-Sambudla reacted strongly on social media, posting a series of messages suggesting Ndhlela was being unfairly targeted to protect the party’s image. In one post, she referred to him as a “sacrificial lamb” and hinted at deeper internal disputes within the movement.
She also shared details of what she described as an early conversation that led to Ndhlela’s involvement in the party, implying that his rise within MKP had been closely tied to internal leadership networks.
The developments have reignited attention on ongoing factional tensions within MKP, particularly following earlier accusations by former Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu, who previously blamed Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela for internal divisions after his own removal from leadership structures.
The latest fallout highlights growing instability within the party as questions continue over leadership authority and organisational direction.