By Levy Masiteng
Expelled uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party members Nhlamulo Ndhlela and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla said on Sunday they would challenge their removal in the courts, calling it unlawful and politically motivated.
Addressing a media briefing in Johannesburg, Ndhlela said that the party had failed to follow proper disciplinary processes before announcing their removal.
“We will write to our lawyers to look into our expulsion. No proper disciplinary processes were followed,” said Ndhlela.
He said the decision was part of an attempt to seize control of the party.
“This is an attempt to hijack the MK Party. We reject this. MK is a liberation movement, not a political project for a few individuals,” Ndhlela told journalists.
Ndhlela maintained that he and Zuma-Sambudla had been expelled on “unfounded allegations” and denied wrongdoing.
“We were expelled on unfounded allegations. The people of South Africa did not vote for internal battles within the party. We reject these allegations,” he said.
He also claimed party leaders had used the death of MK Party Member of Parliament Mzikayise “Muzi” Ntshingila as a “weapon” against them and part of the reason for their expulsion.
“They were looking for anything to put us down. They used our friend’s death,” said Ndhlela.
Zuma-Sambudla, meanwhile, disputed reports that she had been expelled, while Ndhlela said she had left the party voluntarily.
“Duduzile Zuma was not expelled, that’s a lie. She resigned on her own,” Ndhlela said.
The briefing came days after the MK Party announced their expulsion with immediate effect.
In a statement issued on Thursday, MK Party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo said the two had violated the party’s constitution and engaged in conduct that undermined organisational unity, discipline and cohesion.
According to the party, Zuma-Sambudla repeatedly made public statements and social media posts that promoted factional narratives, challenged party decisions and discredited recognised leadership structures.
Ndhlela was accused of acting without organisational authority, convening media briefings without approval and creating confusion about official party processes and leadership arrangements.
The MK Party also cited the conduct of both leaders following Ntshingila’s illness and death, alleging that they became involved in matters relating to the late MP without the knowledge or consent of his family.
Ntshingila’s partner, Ayanda Maseko, pushed back against those claims during Sunday’s briefing, saying the late MP remained capable of making his own decisions before and after his hospitalisation.
“He drove himself to the hospital during his first hospitalisation. Mzi was very capable of making his own decisions before and after being hospitalised,” Maseko said.
Maseko also defended Zuma-Sambudla’s involvement during Ntshingila’s illness.
“I was accompanied by Duduzile Zuma. She was there for me throughout the journey from Muzi being sick until now. Her presence comforted me,” she said.
Zuma-Sambudla also used the briefing to criticise individuals surrounding her father, MK Party leader Jacob Zuma.
“I don’t take any responsibility. I blame the people around him and I don’t blame my father. Up to date we have not had any great secretaries-general,” she said.
Ndhlela said many of those occupying senior positions lacked the experience and competence to run the organisation.
“From day one the organisation has not had people who can run this party. They just want to abuse power. Most secretaries-general were never on the ground and don’t understand the party,” he said.
“There is an issue of competencies.”
Despite their fallout with the party leadership, Ndhlela insisted neither he nor Zuma-Sambudla intended abandoning the party.
“We are staying with the MK Party,” he said..
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