logo
MK Party Whippery turmoil: Ndhlela denies dismissal, slams leaked letter as fake

MK Party Whippery turmoil: Ndhlela denies dismissal, slams leaked letter as fake

IOL News02-07-2025
Nhlamulo Ndhlela says he has not been formally informed of his removal from the party's whippery team, despite leaked letters suggesting otherwise.
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
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MK Party urges patience as Zuma 'narrows down' shortlist of candidates for new secretary-general
MK Party urges patience as Zuma 'narrows down' shortlist of candidates for new secretary-general

The Herald

timean hour ago

  • The Herald

MK Party urges patience as Zuma 'narrows down' shortlist of candidates for new secretary-general

The MK Party has called on its supporters to be patient as party leader Jacob Zuma finalises the appointment of a new secretary-general to succeed Floyd Shivambu. 'The president will soon call the national leadership and announce who will take over the SG position. He is still assessing, he asked that he not be rushed because he doesn't want to repeat past mistakes,' the party's head of presidency Magasela Mzobe said in Durban on Friday. 'Many people are eyeing the position but the president's priority is a candidate who can maintain stability and respect the chain of command without letting the role's importance go to their head,' he added. Mzobe was addressing MK Party supporters who had come to back former youth leader Bonginkosi Khanyile in his civil unrest trial at the Durban high court. Khanyile is facing charges of incitement of violence and contraventions of the Disaster Management Act related to the July 2021 civil unrest that followed Zuma's incarceration for contempt of court. Khanyile has often been mentioned as a possible candidate for the SG role since Shivambu's removal and on Friday party supporters chanted his name as Mzobe spoke about the position. His longtime ally Philani 'Gazuzu' Nduli, who is also a leader in the party's youth structures, has been campaigning for him on social media. However, Mzobe warned against speculation, saying Zuma was on the cusp of naming the new appointee. 'Let's not disturb him by bringing up names, he's almost there. He has narrowed down his shortlist of candidates from seven names to three and if we can give him a week he may reach a decision on that one name.' Shivambu was axed from the position at the beginning of June after a controversy surrounding his unsanctioned Easter visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi. Since then, the party has been plagued by internal squabbles in and outside parliament, including the well-publicised conflict between deputy president John Hlophe and Nhlamulo Ndhlela and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and former Mpumalanga leader Mary Phadi torching the party's constitution after losing a court battle to Busisiwe Mkhwabane. Mzobe tried to downplay that, reassuring that supporters that they were 'small issues' instigated by the fallout with Shivambu. 'He (Zuma) wanted to calm your nerves on the media reports that makes it look like the party is in trouble. It's a small issue of a man he entrusted with the role of secretary, but that man acted in his own interests and ultimately had to be removed when more issues came to light about him, both locally and abroad. 'When he was redeployed he thought he was too big in the party to be disciplined and started his movement that we are not involved with as a party. We ask you to not take part in the plans that the comrade is busy with because they are not what the MK stands for.' Shivambu has since taken jibes at the party and has started a 'Mayibuye consultation process', where he is consulting the public on whether he should establish a new party, while maintaining he would remain a member of the MK Party. Khanyile drew parallels between his and Shivambu's situations in the party, pointing out he was also removed from his position as a founding leader of the youth. 'I was sure that I was the most effective leader; a leader with clarity and educated with more than five degrees.' He stated, however, that their responses to those situations differed, pointing out that he remained committed to the party when he was stripped of a position while Shivambu looked to be jumping ship and starting his own party. 'When you think the organisation is mistreating you and remain truthful to the party, that's when we can tell that you're a true volunteer and revolutionary of the organisation. You can't be removed today and tomorrow you're no longer a volunteer, even if you're the most educated and civilised person in society. As you expect to lead, you must also expect to be led.' Khanyile said he was sceptical about the prospects of the Mayibuye process, predicting it would not succeed. He urged supporters to welcome Shivambu back when that eventually happens. 'We don't hate Floyd Shivambu because we are led by president Zuma. He is going to fail in Mayibuye and come back here in the MK. When he does, we must welcome him with a smile and tell him 'Floyd you're not who you think you are, come back home.' Ubaba removes you today and deploys you tomorrow.' TimesLIVE

Ramaphosa to deliver eulogy at David Mabuza's funeral
Ramaphosa to deliver eulogy at David Mabuza's funeral

The South African

time2 hours ago

  • The South African

Ramaphosa to deliver eulogy at David Mabuza's funeral

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of the late former deputy president David Mabuza, on Saturday, 12 July. Mabuza died at a Johannesburg hospital on Thursday, 3 July, and will be laid to rest in Barberton, Mpumalanga. President Ramaphosa also declared that Mabuza's funeral, which is set to start at 9:00 be conducted in line with the protocols of a State Funeral Category 2. Condolences have been pouring in for Mabuza since his death was confirmed. Several political parties and their leaders have paid tribute to him and acknowledged his role as a unifier. The Presidency said Mabuza played a pivotal role as South Africa's Special Envoy to South Sudan, where he facilitated peace efforts and unity agreements. 'A respected unifier, Mabuza dedicated his leadership to improving the lives of those in the most remote and disadvantaged communities. He also played a key role in mobilising the private sector in the national response to HIV and TB.' As mentioned above, David Mabuza also served as the Deputy President of the African National Congress (ANC) from December 2017 to December 2022. Also, he served as a member of Parliament from 2018 until his resignation in 2023. Before being appointed deputy president, 'DD' held several positions in government including: Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018 Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Agriculture and Land Administration from 2008 to 2009 in Mpumalanga MEC for Roads and Transport from 2007 to 2008 Member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature from 2004 to 2007 Member of Parliament (MP) of the Republic of South Africa from 2001 to 2004 Mpumalanga MEC for Housing from 1999 to 2001 MEC for Education between 1994 and 1998 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

MK Party urges patience as Zuma 'narrows down' shortlist of candidates for new secretary-general
MK Party urges patience as Zuma 'narrows down' shortlist of candidates for new secretary-general

TimesLIVE

time13 hours ago

  • TimesLIVE

MK Party urges patience as Zuma 'narrows down' shortlist of candidates for new secretary-general

The MK Party has called on its supporters to be patient as party leader Jacob Zuma finalises the appointment of a new secretary-general to succeed Floyd Shivambu. 'The president will soon call the national leadership and announce who will take over the SG position. He is still assessing, he asked that he not be rushed because he doesn't want to repeat past mistakes,' the party's head of presidency Magasela Mzobe said in Durban on Friday. 'Many people are eyeing the position but the president's priority is a candidate who can maintain stability and respect the chain of command without letting the role's importance go to their head,' he added. Mzobe was addressing MK Party supporters who had come to back former youth leader Bonginkosi Khanyile in his civil unrest trial at the Durban high court. Khanyile is facing charges of incitement of violence and contraventions of the Disaster Management Act related to the July 2021 civil unrest that followed Zuma's incarceration for contempt of court. Khanyile has often been mentioned as a possible candidate for the SG role since Shivambu's removal and on Friday party supporters chanted his name as Mzobe spoke about the position. His longtime ally Philani 'Gazuzu' Nduli, who is also a leader in the party's youth structures, has been campaigning for him on social media. However, Mzobe warned against speculation, saying Zuma was on the cusp of naming the new appointee. 'Let's not disturb him by bringing up names, he's almost there. He has narrowed down his shortlist of candidates from seven names to three and if we can give him a week he may reach a decision on that one name.' Shivambu was axed from the position at the beginning of June after a controversy surrounding his unsanctioned Easter visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi. Since then, the party has been plagued by internal squabbles in and outside parliament, including the well-publicised conflict between deputy president John Hlophe and Nhlamulo Ndhlela and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and former Mpumalanga leader Mary Phadi torching the party's constitution after losing a court battle to Busisiwe Mkhwabane. Mzobe tried to downplay that, reassuring that supporters that they were 'small issues' instigated by the fallout with Shivambu. 'He (Zuma) wanted to calm your nerves on the media reports that makes it look like the party is in trouble. It's a small issue of a man he entrusted with the role of secretary, but that man acted in his own interests and ultimately had to be removed when more issues came to light about him, both locally and abroad. 'When he was redeployed he thought he was too big in the party to be disciplined and started his movement that we are not involved with as a party. We ask you to not take part in the plans that the comrade is busy with because they are not what the MK stands for.' Shivambu has since taken jibes at the party and has started a 'Mayibuye consultation process', where he is consulting the public on whether he should establish a new party, while maintaining he would remain a member of the MK Party. Khanyile drew parallels between his and Shivambu's situations in the party, pointing out he was also removed from his position as a founding leader of the youth. 'I was sure that I was the most effective leader; a leader with clarity and educated with more than five degrees.' He stated, however, that their responses to those situations differed, pointing out that he remained committed to the party when he was stripped of a position while Shivambu looked to be jumping ship and starting his own party. 'When you think the organisation is mistreating you and remain truthful to the party, that's when we can tell that you're a true volunteer and revolutionary of the organisation. You can't be removed today and tomorrow you're no longer a volunteer, even if you're the most educated and civilised person in society. As you expect to lead, you must also expect to be led.' Khanyile said he was sceptical about the prospects of the Mayibuye process, predicting it would not succeed. He urged supporters to welcome Shivambu back when that eventually happens. 'We don't hate Floyd Shivambu because we are led by president Zuma. He is going to fail in Mayibuye and come back here in the MK. When he does, we must welcome him with a smile and tell him 'Floyd you're not who you think you are, come back home.' Ubaba removes you today and deploys you tomorrow.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store