Expelled MK Party Members Criticize Leadership Instability
Background
Nhlamulo Ndhlela and Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla were expelled from the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party three days before they spoke to the media. They said they learned about their removals only from news reports. During a briefing on Sunday, they blamed the party’s ongoing troubles on the people who have held the secretary‑general post.
What the Former Members Say About the Secretary‑General Role
- Never a strong leader – Ndhlela stated that, from the party’s start, no secretary‑general has been able to truly lead the organisation.
- Grassroots disconnect – He argued that most people appointed to the role never worked at the ground level, so they do not understand the party’s activist roots.
- Arrogance and celebrity behaviour – According to Ndhlela, once someone becomes secretary‑general they often turn arrogant, seek publicity, and try to impose changes without consulting members.
- Resulting resistance – Ordinary members push back because the leaders bring ideas that feel foreign to the party’s original spirit.
Zuma‑Sambudla echoed the view, saying, “Up to date, we have not had great SG’s.”
Criticism of the Current Secretary‑General, Sibonelo Nomvalo
Ndhlela pointed out that Nomvalo’s tenure has been marked by weekly disciplinary statements and press conferences, turning the party into a “joke.” He questioned whether Nomvalo can effectively lead MK while also serving in Parliament, arguing that the role demands full‑time focus—especially with the 2026 local government elections approaching.
Why Frequent Changes Matter
Since the party formed in 2023, at least seven different people have filled the secretary‑general spot, including Thanduxolo Dyodo, Sfiso Maseko, Arthur Zwane, Sihle Ngubane, Floyd Shivambu, and Dr Bongani Mncwango before Nomvalo. Ndhlela said this constant turnover shows a deeper problem: the party keeps picking leaders who are not rooted in its activist base.
Looking Ahead
The expelled members hinted that there are additional internal issues they cannot discuss publicly, but they stressed that they remain disciplined members of MK. They called for a secretary‑general who comes from the grassroots, understands the party’s history, and can devote full attention to building the movement rather than chasing publicity.
Conclusion
The recent expulsions have highlighted a recurring struggle within the MK Party: leadership changes at the top that fail to connect with the party’s activist foundation. Ndhlela and Zuma‑Sambudla believe that unless the party selects a secretary‑general who is truly rooted in its grassroots and can lead without distraction, the organisation will continue to face internal conflict and public ridicule.
