Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
Tensions in uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) get together have escalated with branches alleging nepotism and inconsistent disciplinary measures for Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who nonetheless holds positions within the get together regardless of her public insults of secretary common (SG) Floyd Shivambu.
Members allege that entrenched favoritism has undermined inside governance, claiming that Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of MK get together president Jacob Zuma, has been shielded from censure solely due to her household ties.
The members have argued that this safety has allowed Zuma-Sambudla to retain each her parliamentary seat and her management position within the get together, at the same time as her faction’s disruptive behaviour in opposition to Shivambu intensifies.
“Once we joined the get together we knew it was nonetheless new and would have its ups and downs, however we have now seen members fired and faraway from positions for merely being disrespectful or inflicting just a little bother at department ranges,” stated a celebration member, talking on situation of anonymity.
“Dudu has been shielded for insulting the SG and nothing is being finished about it. She continues to go on like nothing occurred whereas her followers wreak havoc; there isn’t any peace.”
Final month, Zuma-Sambudla sparked controversy after launching a tirade on X, the place she made disparaging remarks about Shivambu, saying “fuck you” and calling him “the worst factor that occurred to MK”, “ineffective” and referred to him as “Mafikizolo”, a time period that means “newcomer”.
In response, a letter from Zuma’s workplace ordered her to apologise or face expulsion from the get together. She later issued an apology for her feedback acknowledging “critical issues” about inside get together issues however didn’t elaborate on them. She additionally didn’t apologise on to Shivambu.
“I totally recognise that such issues ought to have been, and shall be, addressed via the right inside channels, as dictated by the core values and ideas of the wonderful motion of the folks. I acknowledge that expressing these grievances publicly was unlucky and should have undermined the unity, self-discipline, and respect that defines the MK get together,” she wrote.
The get together did provoke a disciplinary course of in opposition to Zuma-Sambudla, however the members the Mail & Guardian spoke to have stated the method has not yielded any constructive outcomes and the get together continues to reel from discontent.
The MK get together’s head of disciplinary, Dali Mpofu, didn’t instantly reply to questions.
Some MK get together areas have been calling for the removing of Shivambu, who resigned as deputy president of the Financial Freedom Fighters in August final yr. He joined the MK get together as its nationwide organiser, and was appointed MK secretary common simply three months later.
Opposition factions have expressed dissatisfaction with Shivambu’s management, citing issues over alleged monetary mismanagement and a perceived lack of accountability.
This coincides with members arguing that Shivambu had reduce the salaries of employees members, together with cleaners and administrative employees, in KwaZulu-Natal.
In a letter dated 15 March 2025, Shivambu acknowledged delayed wage funds, citing sudden technical issues and assuring affected staff that the management was working urgently to resolve the problem.
The delay, affecting employees often paid on the fifteenth or twenty fifth, has fuelled issues concerning the get together’s monetary stability and inside administration beneath Shivambu.
Whereas Zuma-Sambudla’s faction desires Shivambu’s head on the block, many branches are calling for her to be benched till the get together holds its convention.
“This factor of not having a convention is irritating many people as a result of a few of the choices which can be taken, together with defending Duduzile, make us look silly,” stated a senior MK member.
“There’s a structure, despite the fact that some folks don’t know to not disrespect management, as a result of now what we see is folks following in Dudu’s footsteps. They’re disrespecting the SG and forming parallel constructions and extra factions which need to see the get together doomed.”
A letter dated 3 March 2025, from the get together’s chief whip within the legislature, Mervyn Dirks, and addressed to Shivambu, stated factions have been threatening to push the MK get together to the brink.
Dirks, who was appointed late final yr after the suspension of Kwazi Mbanjwa and Thobani Zuma, expressed concern over deepening divisions within the get together, saying parallel constructions might tear the get together aside.
Mbanjwa and Thobani Zuma, who’re alleged to be a part of Zuma-Sambudla’s faction, have been sanctioned after apparently resisting makes an attempt to position the get together’s funds beneath the management of provincial chief Willies Mchunu and different senior officers.
In line with Dirks, a caucus assembly was held on 5 March with out his information or invitation.“The assembly proceeded with out my information, with Mbanjwa and [Thobani] Zuma taking part,” Dirks wrote to Shivambu. “It’s clear that the divisions in our caucus have deepened.
“They made it clear they don’t recognise the MKP structure, nor do they acknowledge the SG, the pinnacle of the presidency, the provincial convenor or the chief whip.”
Dirks claimed the group was calling for the complete reinstatement of Mbanjwa and Thobani Zuma, demanding that their suspensions be overturned.
Get together spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela was not accessible for remark.