Jacob Zuma’s MK Party has given its secretary-general Adv Sibonelo Nomvalo the boot less than two weeks before the local government elections, accusing him of making major party decisions behind the leadership’s back.
The party accused Nomvalo of setting up high-level deployment committees without its leadership’s knowledge, while allegedly reshuffling its parliamentary caucus and administration without informing Zuma, national officials or the party’s presidency collective.
It further listed concerns over the councillor selection process, internal factionalism, matters concerning dual remuneration and delays in campaign materials.
The party announced Nomvalo‘s removal in a statement from Zuma’s office on Thursday, saying it took effect immediately.
“These matters have raised concerns regarding organisational coordination, internal communication, accountability and adherence to established party procedures,” the party said.
“He is requested to cooperate fully with the relevant structures to ensure a smooth and orderly handover of his duties.”
The party said it acknowledged Nomvalo’s contribution to the organisation and wished him well.
Deputy secretary-general Lindiwe Mtshali was appointed acting secretary-general and would work with national chairperson Mxolisi Phakathi to keep the party’s administration running.
National spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu was handed the functions of deputy secretary-general, which he would share with Mtshali while remaining spokesperson.
The party called on all its national, provincial, regional and branch structures to cooperate with the new officials.
“All comrades are called upon to respect organisational processes, avoid unnecessary divisions and place the interests of the organisation above individual considerations,” the party said.
“The party comes first. Unity, discipline and accountability remain our collective responsibility.”
Nomvalo, an MP who served on Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, was appointed secretary-general in March.
He replaced Bongani Mncwango, a former Sanlam executive, whom Zuma removed after about seven months in the post.
Mncwango later joined the IFP and said he had never been given a reason for his removal.
Floyd Shivambu, Arthur Zwane, Sihle Ngubane, Sfiso Maseko and Thanduxolo Dyodo all held the post before Mncwango, since the party was formed in December 2023.
In June, Nomvalo announced the immediate expulsion of Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and former party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, saying they had acted against the party’s values and constitution.
Ndhlela hit back at a media briefing days later, saying the party had never had a capable secretary-general and criticising Nomvalo’s leadership.
In a complaint to second deputy president Tony Yengeni dated June 8, Nomvalo accused KZN caucus leader Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza of campaigning for his removal and spreading claims that he was controlled by a senior politician from a rival party.
On August 4, Zuma removed Nkosinathi Nhleko as national chairperson, John Hlophe as first deputy president and Nomsa Dlamini as deputy secretary-general, appointing his son Duduzane Zuma as first deputy president.
Phakathi replaced Nhleko, and Mtshali replaced Dlamini.
At the same time, Zuma dissolved the party’s strategic presidential team and directed Nomvalo and treasurer-general Brian Molefe to resume their duties, lifting a moratorium on the party’s finances, secretariat and communications.
In September, party members protested outside the MK Party offices in Durban, claiming the councillor list submitted to the Electoral Commission of South Africa had been manipulated and did not reflect the candidates chosen in the wards.
The party then removed Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi as its eThekwini mayoral candidate and replaced her with Phakathi.
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