MK Party Whippery turmoil: Ndhlela denies dismissal, slams leaked letter as fake
Image: IOL Graphics
Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK Party) spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, says he has not received any letter informing him that his name has been removed from the whippery team.
In a leaked letter shared on Tuesday, MK Party's deputy president John Hlophe had expressed his dissatisfaction with Ndhlela's "disruptive conduct". He also issued a reprimand for Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.
Hlophe further accused Ndhlela of undermining organisational unity, engaging in factional activities, and using insulting language, as well as violation of the Disciplinary Code of Conduct, including disrespect, obstruction, and divisive behaviour.
However, speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Ndhlela said he found out about the letters from social media posts.
He further claimed that when he discussed the letters with Hlophe, Hlophe claimed that his digital signature had been misused, a matter Ndhlela said is being looked into.
"We have seen the letter via social media. Effectively, I've never seen the letter in its physical form. I've never received it," he said.
Meanwhile, reports state that internal divisions are brewing within the MK Party's caucus in Parliament, with several Members of Parliament (MPs) calling for the immediate removal of newly appointed chief whip Colleen Makhubele.
IOL reported that Makhubele, who took office at the end of May, is accused by some MPs of making unilateral and undemocratic decisions, betraying party ideology - particularly in relation to her stance on Israel - and demonstrating poor leadership.
According to Ndhlela, Makhubele remains the Chief Whip of the MK Party's caucus and party in Parliament.
However, Ndhlela said he was unsure of where claims of Makhubele's support for Israel stemmed from.
He explained that changes do get made within the whippery.
"There is nothing untoward within the caucus. The caucus is strong and honourable Colleen continues to be our Chief Whip in Parliament," he said.
Ndhlela said when it comes to letters "floating around", the party needs to get a grip on and get an understanding of who issued the letters.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL
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