Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leaders Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela have rejected their expulsion from the party, describing the decision as unlawful and politically motivated, while signalling that they will challenge it through legal channels.
The pair broke their silence during a media briefing after the MK Party announced their immediate expulsion over allegations that they had undermined party unity, discipline and organisational cohesion. The party accused Zuma-Sambudla of promoting factional narratives, publicly challenging leadership decisions and exposing internal matters, while Ndhlela was accused of holding unauthorised media briefings and misrepresenting party positions.
Addressing journalists, Zuma-Sambudla said she was not bitter towards her father and MK Party leader, Jacob Zuma, but blamed individuals surrounding him for influencing decisions within the organisation. She maintained that neither she nor Ndhlela had committed any offence warranting expulsion and insisted that due process had not been followed.
Ndhlela echoed those sentiments, arguing that the disciplinary action was procedurally flawed and lacked transparency. He dismissed allegations that he had acted outside party structures and said the charges against him were designed to silence dissenting voices within the organisation.
During the briefing, he criticised the direction the party is taking, saying it was losing credibility among supporters. Both indicated that they would seek legal remedies to overturn the decision and clear their names, arguing that their expulsion violated the party’s own constitution.
The organisation has experienced a series of leadership changes and internal disputes in recent months, with several senior figures either resigning, being removed from positions or falling out with the party leadership.
The MK Party’s leadership has defended the expulsions, saying the conduct of both Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela created confusion among members, encouraged factionalism and weakened organisational discipline. Party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo said the decision was taken after considering what the party described as repeated violations of organisational principles and directives.
Bongi Sikelo 