Cape Town – Former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party is reportedly facing internal turmoil, with members allegedly threatening each other with firearms and clashing over leadership positions.
According to The Citizen, the infighting has drawn criticism from Zuma, who, in a leaked voice note, expressed concern that such disputes could undermine the party’s growth ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
“We are supposed to be doing things right, winning elections and taking over the country’s governance, but today we are fighting among ourselves, Zuma allegedly said in the voice note.
“People are now threatening each other with firearms. I am very worried. We are fighting over senior positions from the women’s league to the youth league. How will this help us move the party forward? I will not allow this to continue,” Zuma was quoted as saying.
Quoting City Press, the report said that tensions have reportedly risen between Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and MK Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu, with claims that Duduzile seeks to replace Shivambu with her twin brother, Duduzane Zuma.
Shivambu, a former member of the EFF, has gained prominence within the MK party, which has also attracted high-profile EFF members like Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Dali Mpofu.
Despite the reported discord, MK presidency head Magasela Mzobe dismissed rumours of leadership changes, affirming Shivambu and Duduzile’s critical roles in the party’s plans for future elections.
“Commanders and ground forces of MK Party, stay focused on the task at hand. Comrade Floyd, the SG of MK Party, is not going anywhere. He remains a trusted SG by President Zuma and the organisation,” Mzobe posted on X.
Commanders and ground forces of MK Party, stay focused on the task at hand . Comrade Floyd the SG of MK Party is NOT going anywhere, he remains a trusted SG by President Zuma and the organisation. Comrade Duduzile is going nowhere too, she remains a trusted part of the leadership… pic.twitter.com/3QzEquZC8G
— Magasela Mzobe (@MagaselaMzobe) January 8, 2025
“Comrade Duduzile is going nowhere too, she remains a trusted part of the leadership collective of MK party. The social media hype created to confuse MK party members must be ignored. Both comrades are very close to me and are crucial to the growth of MK party as we prepare for 2026 local government elections.”
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Picture: X/@Nhleiks5
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
