What Happened?
The MK Party (MKP) announced that it has expelled two of its members: Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla, a former spokesperson, and Nhlamulo Ndhlela, also a former spokesperson. The decision came after they were found to have moved a sick party MP, Muzi Ntshingila, to another health facility without telling his family.
Why the Expulsion?
Breaking Party Rules
MKP said the pair acted against the party’s discipline and authority. Their actions:
- Created internal divisions.
- Weakened confidence in the leadership.
- Went against the party’s constitutional principles.
Specific Actions Against Muzi Ntshingila
Muzi Ntshingila, an MP, was ill for a long time and died on June 4 at age 43. According to MKP:
- Zuma‑Sambudla and Ndhlela got involved in decisions about his medical care even though they had no authority to do so.
- They arranged his transfer to another health facility without informing his family.
- They allegedly removed his personal belongings from his parliamentary residence without the family’s knowledge.
Ignoring Party Instructions
After the family complained, Parliamentary Leader Dr John Hlophe told Zuma‑Sambudla and Ndhlela not to attend the funeral and to avoid any public comments or social‑media posts about the deceased. Both ignored this directive:
- Zuma‑Sambudla posted comments on social media about Muzi Ntshingila.
- Their actions were seen as insensitive and added to the family’s distress.
Background Tensions
For months, Zuma‑Sambudla and Ndhlela had been at the centre of controversy inside MKP:
- Zuma‑Sambudla often used public platforms and social media to question party decisions and expose internal matters.
- Ndhlela held media briefings without approval and sometimes misrepresented the party’s stance.
These behaviours already caused confusion among members and supporters about what the party officially stood for.
The Party’s Response
MKP invoked the constitutional powers of its president, former President Jacob Zuma, to terminate the memberships of Zuma‑Sambudla and Ndhlela effective immediately. The statement said:
Their conduct became fundamentally incompatible with the values, constitutional principles and organisational interests of the movement.
As a result, they lose all rights, privileges and authority within the party.
Conclusion
The expulsion of Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela shows how seriously MKP takes discipline and respect for its members and their families. By acting against party rules and ignoring instructions during a time of mourning, the two individuals damaged trust and unity inside the organisation. The party hopes this decision will help restore focus on its goals and prevent similar incidents in the future.
