Latest news with #uMkhontoweSizweParty
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane threatens legal action over 'false and malicious' corruption claims linked to family business
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane says allegations of influencing funding for a family-linked company are false, politically motivated, and based on distorted facts aimed at damaging her reputation. KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has denied allegations that she used her political position to influence funding for a company linked to her family, describing the claims 'false and malicious.' This follows a call by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) for Simelane's immediate resignation, citing alleged corruption and political patronage. The party claims that her family business, Kwazi-Gugu Investments CC, received duplicated payments totaling R1.42 million from the provincial Agriculture Department, and linked her to a controversial farm loan granted in 2008 by Ithala Bank. The party also alleged that financial benefits to her family continued during her tenure as Health MEC, even as healthcare services reportedly declined. In a statement, the MK Party said it viewed the matter with 'deep concern and serious disappointment at the troubling revelations recently brought to light.' Simelane issued a statement to set the record straight. 'The company in question was established in 1996 by my parents, and I resigned from it in 2004. I have no business interests in it. I have never benefited from any of its dealings.' She explained that the company received financial support from a state-owned development finance institution years before she held any position of authority. 'Furthermore, the company in question received a loan from Ithala Bank in 2008. At that time, I was a junior official in Government, with no authority or influence over Ithala or any funding decisions.'
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
'A dynasty driven by corruption', the MK Party demands resignation of KZN MECs
The MK Party calls for KZN MECs Nomagugu Simelane and Sipho Hlomuka to resign, citing serious corruption allegations, misuse of public funds, and political patronage undermining healthcare and education services in the province. THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has called for the immediate resignation of KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, following what it described as serious and deeply troubling revelations of corruption, abuse of power, and political patronage. The party has given both MECs until Saturday to resign, failing which it will submit a formal removal request to the Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Nontembeko Boyce. In a statement, the MK Party expressed "deep concern and serious disappointment at the troubling revelations recently brought to light" and stated that its caucus in the provincial legislature refused to address Simelane and Hlomuka as "Honourable", saying the title "is meant to uphold integrity, not be inherited and stained through corruption". The party claimed that Simelane's family business, Kwazi-Gugu Investments CC, allegedly received duplicated payments totaling R1.42 million from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture. It further alleged that in 2008, her family controversially acquired a farm through a loan from Ithala Bank, then led by Zweli Mkhize, who also allegedly facilitated an R11.8 million loan for his own wife. From 2014 to 2019, Simelane chaired the KZN Legislature's Agriculture Portfolio Committee, overseeing the same department accused of funnelling funds to her family.
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
MKP defends Zuma against ANC and EFF betrayal claims
Former president Jacob Zuma's Morocco visit has sparked controversy. Image: Independent Media The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has defended Jacob Zuma against accusations from the ANC and the EFF that their leader is a 'sellout' following his recent visit to Morocco. The controversy stems from Zuma's expression of support for Morocco's control over Western Sahara during his visit on July 16, 2025, where the South African flag was displayed alongside the Moroccan flag. The ANC recently condemned the use of the South African flag in Zuma's meeting with Moroccan officials, stating it was a 'reckless and provocative act' that constitutes a 'flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms'. The party demanded that Morocco apologise for the incident and called on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ During the ANC's National Working Committee meeting in Cape Town on Sunday, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula accused Zuma of stealing ANC assets to form the MK Party. Mbalula said Zuma would be remembered for further dividing the ANC, labelling him a 'sellout' for his visit to Morocco. 'Zuma is no messiah. He is a sellout. For whatever reason, he is doing this; it is no surprise to us,' Mbalula added. However, the MKP defended Zuma's right to visit other African nations, with Treasurer-General Thanti Mthanti highlighting his role as a statesman. Mthanti specifically acknowledged Zuma's efforts in negotiating peace and ending political killings in KwaZulu-Natal during the 1993 conflict between the ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party. Earlier this week, the MKP released a policy position advocating for stronger bilateral relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco, saying it is a stance that is rooted in shared principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and African unity. 'The MKP's identity is deeply rooted in the historic Struggle for liberation and dignity in South Africa. Similarly, Morocco's history is marked by its resistance to colonial domination and its determined pursuit of national unity. 'Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles — South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule. 'In this regard, Morocco has played a pivotal role in supporting South Africa through its fight for liberation. Morocco was the first country to lend financial and military support to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962.' During his visit to Morocco, Zuma said: 'Our party recognises the historical and legal context that underpins Morocco's claim to Western Sahara.' The MKP's policy supports Morocco's efforts to regain its territorial integrity, viewing it as consistent with the party's dedication to upholding the sovereignty and unity of African nations. The Moroccan embassy's phone rang unanswered on Monday. However, a diplomatic source close to the country defended Morocco having displayed the South African flag during Zuma's visit, suggesting that the ANC's reaction is hypocritical. 'This diplomatic protest comes as a surprise. The South African flag was visibly displayed, alongside the Algerian flag, during a meeting in December 2023 between the ANC's secretary-general and Salah Goudjil, the former president of Algeria's Upper House. The flag was also present during talks between Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and senior ANC officials,' a diplomatic source said. EFF leader Julius Malema has also criticised Zuma's position on Morocco, calling it a 'sellout position'. Malema reaffirmed the EFF's support for the Sahrawi people's struggle for independence in Western Sahara. 'On the issue of Morocco, that was a complete sellout position,' he said on the sidelines of his court appearance at East London Magistrate's Court, in Eastern Cape, on Monday. Cape Times
IOL News
19-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Zuma and MKP challenge Ramaphosa's decisions in Constitutional Court over Mkhwanazi allegations
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party led by former president Jacob Zuma gave President Cyril Ramaphosa until Friday to resign and later launch an urgent Constitutional Court application to stop him from implementing his response to the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers Jacob Zuma and his uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) have asked the Constitutional Court to halt the implementation of President Cyril Ramaphosa's response to the bombshell allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The former president and the MKP on Friday filed an urgent application at the apex court to declare invalid and inconsistent with the Constitution Ramaphosa's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and appoint Prof. Firoz Cachalia in an acting capacity as well as establish a commission of inquiry to be chaired by outgoing acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Zuma and the MKP also want the decisions to be declared invalid and set aside with immediate effect. They also want further and alternative appropriate, just and equitable remedies including, where necessary, interim relief maintaining the status quo ante (before) the impugned decisions, pending the judgment. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Dr. John Hlophe, MKP deputy president and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, told the country's highest court that Zuma brought the application in his personal capacity as a voter, taxpayer and citizen as well as ex-president. 'The events dealt with in this matter involve the subversion and multiple infringements of the fundamental rights of a citizen including political and socio-economic rights,' explained Hlophe. Zuma and the MKP approached the Concourt after the Presidency refused to accede to a letter of demand from their lawyers, T. Mpumlwana and Associates, for Ramaphosa to resign and withdraw last Sunday's public announcement of the commission, Mchunu's leave, Cachalia's appointment, effective from August 1, and that of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe as acting police minister until Cachalia occupies the position. The Presidency was threatened with an urgent Constitutional Court application, a motion of no confidence by the MKP working with other political parties and rolling mass action and peaceful demonstrations to force Ramaphosa to step down as president. In response, the Presidency's acting head of legal and executive services Geofrey Mphaphuli said they will not be acquiescing to the demands as the terms of reference of the commission are yet to be published in the government gazette and the appointment of Cachalia has not been finalised. 'The complaints by your clients are therefore premature, ill-informed and misplaced and any approach to the courts would similarly be so affected,' Mphaphuli stated. Hlophe's founding affidavit explained that the application concerned the urgent matter of utmost public importance and taking it to the lower courts would serve no useful purpose as the continuing depletion of taxpayers' money is also of relevance. According to Hlophe, placing Mchunu on leave of absence is irrational, tainted by bias, blatant inconsistency and other forms of favouritism as there is no provision for the president to take such a decision, which is a fancy phrase for suspension with pay. He argued that Mchunu is one of Ramaphosa's closest allies in the ANC's factional battles and has presided over the classification as top secret of the report of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate's probe into the February 2020 theft of foreign currency at the president's Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. 'The inference is therefore irresistible that were it not for their political and factional affinities, Ramaphosa would have duly dismissed Mchunu as he is perfectly entitled and legally empowered to do. "Like Caesar's wife, the political friends and allies of the president must be above suspicion,' added Hlophe. He said Cachalia's appointment was inconsistent with the Constitution, ultra vires, irrational, in breach of the rule of law and evidence of the failure by Ramaphosa to fulfil his constitutional obligations. On the establishment of the commission to also investigate judicial capture or the involvement of unnamed members of the judiciary in collusion with criminal syndicates as alleged by Mkhwanazi, Hlophe said this is another breach of the Constitution as the only state bodies or organs constitutionally and legally entrusted with the power to investigate judicial conduct are the Judicial Service Commission and the Magistrates Commission. Zuma and the MKP have asked that the matter be heard on July 28 subject to Chief Justice Mandisa Maya's direction.
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Court rules Mary Phadi is no longer a member of MKP, clearing path for Mkhwebane
Mary Phadi is no longer a member of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Media The Mbombela High Court has handed down a significant ruling, declaring that Mary Phadi is no longer a member of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and is also no longer a lawful member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature. This judgment came after a counter-application from the MKP, supported by party president Jacob Zuma's detailed affidavit, which argued that Phadi's actions had violated the party's constitution. The court affirmed that Phadi's membership had been validly terminated after she defied party structures, insulted officials, and organised rival rallies. According to the ruling, these actions were in direct contravention of the MKP's internal rules and values. The ruling represents a significant blow to Phadi's political future, removing her from both the party and the legislature. The court's decision cited section 106(3)(c) of the Constitution, which stipulates that a person must cease to hold a seat in the provincial legislature if they are no longer a member of the party that nominated them. In addition to losing her position, Phadi was also ordered to cover the legal costs associated with both her original contempt of court application and the MKP's counter-application. This decision further weakens her standing, both legally and politically. Though Mkhwebane was not a formal party to the court proceedings, the ruling clears the way for her to assume the leadership roles once held by Phadi. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Insiders suggest that her leadership could be pivotal in stabilising the MKP, which has been struggling with internal divisions and factionalism. The ruling also signals the end of months of internal turmoil within the MKP, which saw the party split into rival factions. This division led to poor electoral performance and significant public embarrassment for the party. With the court ruling now behind them, MKP officials believe the party can focus on reuniting its fractured provincial branches. Phadi's departure marks a fresh start, allowing Mkhwebane and other key leaders to move forward with their plans for stabilising the party's internal structures.'The judgment today restored the soul of MKP in Mpumalanga,' Mkhwebane said following the court's decision. 'No one is above the Constitution of MKP. People join MKP as individuals, but members must read, understand, and abide by the constitution. Thanks to President Zuma for bringing stability to Mpumalanga.'Mkhwebane's statements underscore the importance of unity within the party, with a clear emphasis on the party's constitutional rules. She emphasised that the MKP's foundation must remain strong for the party to regain its political strength. Phadi, who was not present at the court ruling and has yet to comment publicly on the decision, has been embroiled in controversy for several months. Her actions, including her defiance of MKP's leadership and efforts to organise parallel events, had sparked serious concern within the party. While Phadi's political allies may contest the ruling, it is clear that the court's decision has sent a strong message about the importance of adhering to party structures and constitutional principles. The judgment is expected to have far-reaching consequences, especially in terms of party unity and the broader political landscape in Mpumalanga. With the MKP's leadership now back in control of its deployments and structures, the party will likely begin focusing on rebuilding and strengthening its position in the province. As the MKP seeks to recover from the internal strife that has plagued it in recent months, the focus now shifts to rebuilding the party's reputation and ensuring that future conflicts are avoided. Mkhwebane's role in this recovery process will be critical, as she is now seen as the face of the party's efforts to move forward.
