Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela Challenge Their MK Party Expulsion
What Happened?
On Thursday, Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla—daughter of former president Jacob Zuma—and Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the party’s former spokesperson, filed an urgent application in the Johannesburg High Court. They are asking the court to review and overturn their recent expulsions from the MK Party.
Why the Party Said They Were Expelled
MK Party secretary‑general Sibonelo Nomvalo announced that the two were removed with immediate effect. The party claimed they:
- Acted in ways that conflicted with the party’s constitution, values, and organisational interests.
- Were involved in unauthorised activities linked to the death of MP Muzi Ntshingila.
- Held an unauthorised media briefing (in Ndhlela’s case).
The Legal Argument
In their court papers, Zuma‑Sambudla and Ndhlela argue that the expulsions were unlawful because:
- They were never given formal notice of any charges.
- No disciplinary hearing was held before the decision was made.
- They only learned of the expulsion from a media briefing on June 18.
Ndhlela pointed out that the MK Party’s constitution requires a mandatory disciplinary process, which was skipped, making the expulsions invalid.
Why the Case Is Urgent
Nhlamulo Ndhlela stressed that he is still a sitting Member of the National Assembly. If the expulsion stands, Parliament could be informed and he might lose his seat at any moment.
“The loss of a parliamentary seat cannot adequately be compensated in damages,” he said.
He added that waiting for a regular court process could cause irreversible harm, so an urgent intervention is needed.
Responses from the Applicants
Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla’s Side
Duduzile denied any wrongdoing. She said she was never formally notified of disciplinary charges linked to her expulsion and first heard about it through media reports. She also rejected allegations that she acted improperly regarding the late MP Muzi Ntshingila, stating she helped him at his personal request during his illness.
Nhlamulo Ndhlela’s Side
Nhlamulo reiterated that he was not given a chance to defend himself. He believes the expulsions were politically motivated to remove internal opponents within the party’s structures.
What Could Happen Next?
The High Court will now consider whether to grant an interim order to halt the expulsions while the case is heard. If the court sides with Zuma‑Sambudla and Ndhlela, their expulsions could be set aside, and they would retain their party positions—and, for Ndhlela, his parliamentary seat. If the court upholds the party’s decision, the expulsions will stand, and the applicants may need to explore other legal remedies.
Conclusion
The clash between Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, and the MK Party highlights important questions about due process inside political organisations. By taking the matter to court, the two are seeking to protect their rights and prevent what they see as an unfair, politically driven removal. The outcome will not only affect their personal careers but could also set a precedent for how disciplinary actions are handled within South African parties moving forward.
