By Akani Nkuna
The uMkhonto WeSizwe Party’s Secretary General, Floyd Shivambu, has called for high discipline within the party while announcing the expulsion of two prominent members for misconduct.
Addressing the media on Monday in Sandton, Johannesburg, Shivambu said that the decision was made to uphold organisational discipline.
Shivambu also cautioned MK party members against violating the party’s constitution while they are in the process of raising legitimate concerns about leadership issues.
Reading from the party’s statement, he did not disclose the names of the expelled members.
The party leader said after receiving a report of the national disciplinary committee (NDC), the national officials had resolved to expel or cancel the membership of the two members of the organisation.
One of the members used to serve as a deployee in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and the other was deployed in the provincial legislature of Mpumalanga province.
“These two expulsions demonstration that the MK Party would not and will not tiptoe on matters that relate to internal discipline,” he said.
The briefing comes amid recent public scrutiny following social media criticism from Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, directed at Shivambu.
Zuma-Sambudla is the daughter of MK Party leader and former president Jacob Zuma.
“Whilst internal disagreements and different thoughts should be expressed internally, there is no space for any public disagreements, disharmony and disrespect. Public disagreements, disharmony and respect or perceptions that there is such, will weaken the faith and confidence which our people have shown in the organisation,” said Shivambu.
Shivambu said there was a need for the MK Party to stand together in resisting the urge for harmful actions and behaviours among its members and cadres.
“We carry the obligation to defend our movement with everything we have because the forces of reaction wish we should never have existed at all,” said Shivambu.
“The enemy forces are outside, and not inside the organisation, and we should conduct thorough political education and guidance to demonstrate that the enemy is outside and not inside the movement.”
Deputy Secretary General, Nombuso Mkhize, confirmed that MK Party has initiated internal disciplinary action against Zuma-Sambudla.
Mkhize said that during last week’s national officials meeting, attended by the party leader, Zuma-Sambudla’s conduct was thoroughly discussed, adding that all members must adhere to the party’s Constitution.
“In the instance of Zuma-Sambudla, I would like to indicate that internal disciplinary processes are in progress,” Mkhize.
When asked by reporters about Zuma-Sambudla’s social media outburst, Shivambu said he was unfazed by political attacks, acknowledging that leadership comes with challenges, including unfair criticism and insults.
“As a secretary general, as a person I do not get offended by anything. I know that leadership responsibility will always come with all sorts of accusations, and all sorts of insults, unfair judgement and I took this responsibility fully aware that such will be part of the responsibilities that we are given,” he told reporters.
The party earlier announced its leadership structures for the North West and Free State. Shivambu provided details on leaders for the remaining provinces while also unveiling national sub-committee appointments.
Advocate Dali Mpofu will chair the National Disciplinary subcommittee, while Luther Lebelo and Sibusiso Radebe will head the Communications and Safety & Security subcommittees, respectively.
Additionally, Magasela Mzobe has been appointed to lead the International Relations subcommittee, Brian Molefe will oversee Finance, and Mzwanele Manyi will head the Governance subcommittee.
INSIDE POLITICS
