Jacob Zuma Axes MK Party Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo Amid Internal Factionalism

• The MK Party announced Adv Sibonelo Nomvalo's immediate removal as secretary-general on Thursday, 22 October, citing internal coordination failures
• Nomvalo was accused of forming high-level deployment committees and altering party structures without consulting Zuma or national officials
• The removal is the latest in a string of leadership shake-ups at the MK Party since it was founded in December 2023

SOUTH AFRICA — Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe Party has removed its secretary-general, Adv Sibonelo Nomvalo, effective immediately, with the announcement coming less than a fortnight before the 2026 local government elections.

A statement issued by Zuma's office on Thursday, 22 October, confirmed the decision and outlined a series of concerns that prompted the removal.

MK Party explains reason behing Nomvalo's removal

According to the party, Nomvalo established high-level deployment committees without consulting the leadership and made changes to the parliamentary caucus and party administration without notifying Zuma, national officials or the presidency collective.

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Additional grievances included irregularities in the councillor selection process, internal factionalism, dual remuneration issues and delays in campaign materials.

"These matters have raised concerns regarding organisational coordination, internal communication, accountability and adherence to established party procedures," the party said in its statement.

Nomvalo was asked to cooperate with relevant structures to ensure a smooth handover. The party acknowledged his contribution and wished him well.

New acting leadership installed

Deputy secretary-general Lindiwe Mtshali has been appointed acting secretary-general and will work closely with national chairperson Mxolisi Phakathi to maintain administrative continuity. National spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu will take on the duties of deputy secretary-general while retaining his existing role.

The party called on all structures at national, provincial, regional and branch level to cooperate with the new leadership.

"The party comes first. Unity, discipline and accountability remain our collective responsibility," the statement read.

See the MK Party statement posted on X here:

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A party marked by repeated leadership upheaval

Nomvalo, who was appointed secretary-general in March 2026, was himself a replacement for Bongani Mncwango, a former Sanlam executive removed after roughly seven months in the role. Several others, including Floyd Shivambu, Arthur Zwane, Sihle Ngubane, Sfiso Maseko and Thanduxolo Dyodo, have also held the position since the party was established in December 2023.

Nomvalo's time in office was turbulent. In June, he announced the expulsion of Zuma's daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and former spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, accusing both of acting against the party's values and constitution. Nomvalo also accused KwaZulu-Natal caucus leader Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza of working to have him removed and spreading claims that he was controlled by a senior figure from a rival party.

In August, Zuma removed national chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko, first deputy president John Hlophe and deputy secretary-general Nomsa Dlamini. Duduzane Zuma was appointed first deputy president in Hlophe's place, with Phakathi and Mtshali filling the remaining vacancies.

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MK ordered to reinstate expelled members

Previously, Briefly News reported that the Western Cape High Court dealt a significant blow to the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, ordering it to reinstate expelled MPs Pumlani Kubukeli and Dr Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala and restore their seats in the National Assembly. JThe ruling found that their terminations were unlawful and directed that their previous status as party members and parliamentarians be fully restored.

Source: Briefly News