The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has expelled Members of Parliament Pumlani Kubukeli and Dr Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala with immediate effect, accusing the pair of conduct that damaged the party’s reputation and undermined its unity and organisational discipline.
The decision was announced on Thursday by the party’s national spokesperson, Sifiso Mahlangu, who said the termination of their memberships followed what the party described as a series of actions that were detrimental to the organisation.
“The decision follows a series of acts and conduct attributed to the two members which, in the determination of the Party leadership, have been detrimental to the good name, reputation, integrity and interests of the organisation,” Mahlangu said.
According to the party, the conduct attributed to Kubukeli and Litchfield-Tshabalala had also “undermined the unity and organisational discipline of the Party”.
The MK Party said the decision was taken under the executive authority of the office of party president Jacob Zuma, in terms of Section 7(2)(h) of the party’s constitution. The provision gives the president the power to establish, restructure, appoint or remove organisational structures and deployees in the interests of the party and its strategic direction.
Parliamentary seats now under threat
The expulsion could also bring an end to the pair’s tenure in the National Assembly.
Mahlangu said the party’s secretary-general had written to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to formally communicate the decision and begin the process for their removal from Parliament.
“Following the termination of their membership, the Party’s Secretary-General has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly to formally communicate the decision and to initiate the necessary process for their subsequent removal from the National Assembly,” he said.
The move means the party has not only terminated their membership but has also taken formal steps towards having them removed as MPs.
Another major shake-up inside the MK Party
The expulsions come amid a period of significant instability and restructuring within the MK Party, which has seen several prominent figures lose their positions or leave the organisation altogether.
Earlier this month, Zuma announced sweeping changes to the party’s leadership, including the appointment of his son, Duduzane Zuma, as first deputy president. Former national chairperson Nathi Nhleko was replaced, while Dr John Hlophe was relieved of his position as first deputy president but remained the party’s parliamentary leader.
Kubukeli and Litchfield-Tshabalala themselves were among senior figures who had recently held influential positions within the party’s structures. Their removal therefore marks another dramatic development in a series of leadership changes that have unfolded within the organisation in recent months.
Expulsions follow earlier removals
The MK Party has already expelled other high-profile members this year, including Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
The party previously accused the pair of conduct that undermined organisational unity, discipline and recognised leadership structures. Their expulsions followed growing tensions and public disputes within the party.
While the MK Party has presented the latest expulsions as part of its efforts to protect organisational discipline, the rapid turnover of senior leaders has intensified attention on the party’s internal dynamics ahead of South Africa’s upcoming local government elections.
Mahlangu said the organisation remained committed to unity and discipline.
“The MK reiterates its commitment to organisational unity, discipline and integrity,” he said.
“All members and structures are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Party Constitution in the interests of unity and comradeship.”
Despite the abrupt termination of their memberships, the party said its leadership wished Kubukeli and Litchfield-Tshabalala well.
“The office of the President wishes Mr Kubukeli and Dr Litchfield-Tshabalala well in their future endeavours,” Mahlangu said.
