The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has expelled Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and former spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, accusing them of conduct that undermined party discipline, deepened internal divisions and defied organisational authority.
The decision follows months of growing tensions within the party and centres largely on allegations relating to the illness and care of late MK Party Member of Parliament Muzi Ntshingila, who died on June 4 at the age of 43 following a prolonged illness.
In a statement announcing the immediate termination of their memberships, the MK Party said the actions of Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela had become fundamentally incompatible with the organisation’s values, constitutional principles and interests.
According to the party, Zuma-Sambudla repeatedly used public platforms and social media to challenge party decisions, question recognised leadership structures and expose internal matters to public scrutiny. The party argued that these actions promoted factionalism, weakened confidence in collective leadership and contributed to divisions within the organisation.
The MK Party also accused her of participating in activities outside officially sanctioned party programmes, creating confusion among members and supporters about the movement’s official positions and direction.
Ndhlela, meanwhile, was accused of acting without proper organisational authority and operating outside established party structures. The party alleged that he convened and addressed media briefings without approval, misrepresented party positions and participated in activities that created uncertainty around official party processes and leadership arrangements.
The dispute escalated further following Ntshingila’s illness and eventual death. The MK Party alleged that Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela became involved in matters relating to his healthcare despite having no authority to do so.
Central to the allegations is the claim that the pair facilitated Ntshingila’s transfer to another healthcare facility without the knowledge of his family. The party said neither individual had any mandate to involve themselves in decisions regarding his medical care or to separate him from his relatives.
Additional concerns were reportedly raised about the alleged removal of Ntshingila’s personal belongings from his parliamentary residence without the knowledge of his family.
Following complaints from relatives, Parliamentary Leader Dr John Hlophe reportedly instructed Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela not to attend funeral proceedings or make public statements, social media posts or comments relating to Ntshingila. The directive was intended to prevent further distress to the family during their period of mourning.
The party alleges that both individuals ignored those instructions, with Zuma-Sambudla subsequently participating in social media commentary relating to the deceased.
The MK Party described the conduct as insensitive and disrespectful, saying it further aggravated tensions during an already difficult period for the Ntshingila family. The organisation also extended an apology to the family for any distress caused.
After considering what it described as the seriousness and cumulative impact of the pair’s actions, the party concluded that both had acted in direct conflict with organisational discipline and authority.
Invoking powers vested in party president Jacob Zuma, the MK Party formally terminated the memberships of Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela with immediate effect.
The decision strips both individuals of all rights, privileges and authority within the organisation and marks a significant development in the party’s efforts to address internal divisions and reinforce discipline within its ranks. Their expulsion is expected to intensify attention on ongoing factional tensions and leadership disputes within the MK Party.
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