MK Party Expels Two Senior Members Ahead of Local Government Elections

• The MK Party expelled two prominent members — former Eastern Cape leader Pumlani Kubukeli and ex-naval rear admiral Dr Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala
• Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo formally notified the pair and contacted National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to begin parliamentary removal proceedings
• The decision, linked to President Jacob Zuma's office, cited conduct seriously detrimental to the party's reputation as local election preparations intensify

SOUTH AFRICA — The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has expelled two senior figures with immediate effect, issuing the announcement through an official statement ahead of the country's upcoming local government elections.

Pumlani Kubukeli, a former provincial leader in the Eastern Cape, and Dr Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala, a former naval rear admiral who joined the party relatively recently, were both removed under provisions contained in the MK Party's constitution.

Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo formally notified the two members of their termination and subsequently contacted National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to initiate the process of removing them from Parliament.

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MKP cites reputational harm

In its official statement, the party stated that the expulsions followed "acts and conduct by the two members that was seriously detrimental to the party's good name, reputation and integrity." No further specifics regarding the nature of the alleged conduct were disclosed publicly.

The decision was linked to President Jacob Zuma's office, with the party emphasising the need to protect organisational unity during a period of continued internal restructuring. The MK Party has faced repeated membership and leadership changes in recent months as it prepares to contest local elections.

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South Africans react online

@LunathiKilani wrote:

"Expulsion of leaders, no matter what the internal issues may be, in the middle of campaigns and preparations for elections is utterly ridiculous."

@phakama_darkie added:

"I've never criticized the MKP for these expulsions and restructuring but for the first time I will say this is ridiculous."

@nkabindenm stated:

"There is no organization here at all. You can't just keep on removing and replacing people every week."

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@KMokgaga noted:

"Dr Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala was shouting 'Gwaza Mkhonto' in Parliament just yesterday."

@deroxrimez commented:

"This Zuma spazashop will not survive beyond the next National Elections. Mark my words."

The expulsions add to a growing pattern of high-profile departures and disciplinary actions within the MK Party, which has experienced sustained internal turbulence since its formation.

Duduzane Zuma defends MKP leadership shake-ups

Previously, Briefly News reported that Duduzane Zuma, the newly appointed first deputy president of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, defended a string of high-profile leadership changes within the organisation, saying they reflect a commitment to excellence rather than internal chaos. Jacob Zuma's son was confirmed in the role with immediate effect last Tuesday. The appointment came after several reshuffles at the top of the party, moves that critics have pointed to as evidence of deepening instability. Duduzane, however, framed the changes differently. He argued that a willingness to remove underperforming leaders should actually give voters more reason to trust the MK Party, not less.

Source: Briefly News