Hlophe removes MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela from whippery team, slams Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Two widely circulated letters have revealed MK Party's deputy president John Hlophe's dissatisfaction with party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela's disruptive conduct, leading to his removal from the parliamentary whippery team and a reprimand for Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.
Ndhlela yesterday (Tuesday) said he could not confirm the authenticity of the letter, adding that it still needs to be verified while Hlophe did not respond to messages and calls.
However, two senior sources within the party, independently confirmed the authenticity of the letters.
In the letter issued to Ndhlela on June 23, Hlophe said he was charged with offences such as 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.
This was after Ndhlela was accused of 'disrespectful communication, which includes repeated instances of rude, arrogant, and dismissive communication towards parliamentary members, including senior leadership, that have been noted'.
Hlophe said such behavior undermines the dignity and collaborative spirit required within the whippery team.
Ndhlela was also accused of obstruction of parliamentary communications, which has caused delays and negatively impacted the party's public image.
He is also accused of undermining unity and collaboration, 'in which his actions created divisions among parliamentary members and have been perceived as factional, counterproductive, and contrary to the party's principles of unity and collective action'.
According to the letter, Ndhlela was removed with immediate effect.
'Your removal from the whippery team is intended to restore unity, efficiency and progress within the parliamentary caucus. I encourage you to reflect on the principles and values of the MK Party and to align your conduct with the expectations of the organization,' reads the letter.
However, he allegedly ignored the decision and continued to attend meetings, which prompted Hlophe to report the matter to the party's president, Jacob Zuma.
In a letter issued to Zuma on June 26, Hlophe said despite being formally informed of his removal from the whippery team, Ndhlela attended the meeting and feigned ignorance of the decision.
'He proceeded to insult the Chief Whip (Colleen Makhubele), claiming she required "political education" and that her decision to remove him was invalid unless sanctioned by the top management structure.
"Commander Ndhlela has consistently insulted the Chief Whip in some instances labelling her a 'political novice and newcomer' to the political landscape,' said Hlophe, adding that this tirade was not only disrespectful but also a direct attack on the authority of the Chief Whip and the party leader, as the removal letter bore my signature as party leader.
He said Ndhlela's behaviour escalated further during the meeting, as he continued to undermine the Chief Whip's authority and insisted on raising the matter during the caucus meeting later in the morning, despite members agreeing that the issue should be discussed privately.
His actions reflect a deliberate attempt to usurp the authority of the Chief Whip and disrupt the unity of the caucus, said Hlophe.
He added that Zuma-Sambudla further exacerbated the situation by interrupting proceedings, creating unnecessary chaos and disregarding repeated cautions to wait her turn.
He said this behaviour forced him to intervene and chair the meeting.
'While I was speaking, Zuma-Sambudla interrupted me repeatedly, displaying unruly behaviour that required reprimanding. She noisily rose from her seat, grabbed her belongings, and exclaimed, 'Are we not done?' before sitting down when she realised no one followed her,' said Hlophe, who added that the behaviour of both members was despicable and does not reflect the ethos that the MK Party seeks to portray to its constituents.
He said their actions contravene the principles of 'Ubuntu, Unity in Action, and Respect, as outlined in the MK Party Constitution and Disciplinary Code of Conduct'.
manyane.manyane@inl.co.za
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