In a significant shake-up of South African political structures, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party officially announced the expulsion of two of its most high-profile figures: Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and former party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
The decision, announced on 18 June 2026, marks a pivotal moment for the party as it attempts to assert organisational control and distance itself from perceptions of instability.
The official announcement
The expulsion was confirmed by MK Party Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo during a media briefing held at Cedarwoods, Johannesburg. Nomvalo stated that the national leadership had reached its decision after determining that the repair's actions, public statements, and general conduct were fundamentally inconsistent with the party's values, constitutional principles, and disciplinary standards.
Central to the party's justification was the aim to combat the perception that the MK Party was being run as a personal family vehicle, a narrative the leadership is clearly eager to shed to demonstrate it is a serious political institution governed by a collective leadership.
Grounds for expulsion
The party cited a cumulative impact of misconduct, pointing to several specific incidents that allegedly fueled factionalism and undermined leadership authority.
Zuma-Sambudla was accused of repeated social media posts and public statements that challenged the legitimacy of party decisions, publicly discredited leadership structures, and brought internal grievances into the public domain. Meanwhile, Nhlamulo Ndhlela was singled out for holding unsanctioned media briefings, misrepresenting party positions, and acting without proper organisational authority, an issue that had previously led to his removal as spokesperson.
A flashpoint in the controversy involved the events surrounding the illness and death of MP Mzikayise “Muzi” Ntshingila. The party alleged that the pair unilaterally transferred the ailing MP to a medical facility without informing his family. Following his death, they reportedly defied explicit party directives to stay away from the funeral and continued to make public statements regarding his affairs despite instructions to refrain.
The wider context
This move comes at a sensitive time for the MK Party, which has been navigating internal tensions while attempting to maintain its status as a significant political force in South Africa.
For Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, this expulsion follows a period of mounting controversy. Reports have linked her to legal and ethical complications, including investigations into the recruitment of individuals for paramilitary activities in Ukraine. Her political trajectory has been marked by strong public visibility, yet this latest development indicates a decisive break from the party's central leadership.
For Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the expulsion cements his departure from a central role that he held during the party's emergence as a major player in the 2024 general elections. His attempts to steer the party toward internal, ideological, and strategic reviews appear to have clashed with the immediate priorities of the national officials.
Implications for the MK Party
By taking this action, the MK Party is signaling a shift toward stricter internal governance. Secretary-General Nomvalo's emphasis on organisational unity, discipline, and cohesion suggests that the party is prioritising a unified front over the influence of individual, high-profile members.
As the party prepares for upcoming political challenges and public demonstrations, this move is likely intended to consolidate power under current leadership and mitigate the risks posed by internal factionalism. Whether this will lead to long-term stability or further unrest within the party's grassroots base remains to be seen.