Inside the MK Party Drama: Who Tried to Oust the Secretary‑General?

What Sparked the Conflict?

Last week, the caucus leader of the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in KwaZulu‑Natal, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, sent a letter to the party’s top leadership. In the letter he claimed that Secretary‑General Sibonelo Nomvalo was being funded by a rival political party and that he was protected by hitmen. Chiliza asked for Nomvalo’s immediate removal from office.

Nomvalo’s Response

Nomvalo hit back quickly. He demanded that the leadership take action against Chiliza for spreading false accusations and asked for concrete proof of the allegations.

The “Intelligence Report” That Wasn’t Real

A source inside the MK Party said Chiliza’s claims were based on an intelligence report. Later, that report was discovered to be fake. According to the source, a senior member of the party in the provincial legislature fabricated the report in order to get Nomvalo expelled.

Chiliza’s Change of Heart

After learning the report was bogus, Chiliza reportedly reached out to Nomvalo and admitted he had been misled by people he trusted. He confessed that he now realizes the information was false.

Party Leadership Steps In

The controversy prompted the party’s Royalty and Traditional Leadership wing to intervene. Prince Mandlakapheli kaMkhulumeleni Zulu, the wing’s spokesperson, released a statement urging calm.

Key Points from the Statement

• The circulation of the allegations was described as a deliberate attempt to create confusion and sow division.
• The leadership stressed that such actions threaten the unity, discipline, and collective purpose of the movement.
• Members and supporters were asked to avoid unverified debates and speculation, especially on social media.
• The statement encouraged everyone to let the proper internal processes run their course without interference.

What’s Next?

Attempts to get comments from both Chiliza and Nomvalo were unsuccessful. Party leader Jacob Zuma is expected to address the issue in a media briefing scheduled for Thursday.

Conclusion

The MK Party is currently dealing with an internal dispute that began with false accusations and a fabricated report. While the situation has caused tension, the party’s traditional leadership is calling for restraint and urging members to let the official procedures resolve the matter. As the party waits for Jacob Zuma’s briefing, the focus remains on restoring unity and moving forward together.