By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma has made a U-turn and rejected the resignation of the party’s secretary general Arthur Zwane.
Fullview understands senior MK leaders approached Zuma to resolve the disagreement that led to Zwane’s departure.
In his place, the party had appointed Dr Sifiso Maseko, while Menzi Magubane was appointed as the treasury-general, replacing Danisa Zulu, who was also removed from his position.
The abrupt changes in leadership and the timing of Zwane’s resignation have raised questions.
Last month, disgraced former judge John Hlophe, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Andile Mngxitama were among 58 MPs who were sworn in as members of parliament.
Parallel to the internal turmoil within the MK party, the ANC has scheduled 17 July for Zuma’s disciplinary hearing.
However, on Thursday, the party in a statement has revealed that its leader, Zuma, has rejected Zwane’s request for a part time position in the party and has ordered him back to work, with immediate effect.
“The MK Party wishes to address recent developments concerning the resignation of our Secretary General, Comrade Arthur Zwane. After receiving and carefully considering Comrade Zwane’s resignation letter dated July 1, 2024, in which he cited an excessive workload from MKP and a desire to focus on private business, Zuma has nonetheless decided not to accept the resignation,” party spokesperson, “Nhlamulo Ndhlela said on Thursday.
Among the reasons given for this decision is the work towards the 2026 local government elections.
The primary reason, among others, is that the MK Party’s founding HUVO in Bela Bela outlined pivotal tasks essential for preparing us for future challenges, particularly strengthening our organisational structures in anticipation of the upcoming 2026 local government elections and beyond.
“Given the turbulent times our country is experiencing under the current DANC coalition, and with all South Africans looking to the MK Party for leadership, maintaining strong capacity, unity, and continuity within our ranks is more important than ever,” Ndhlela said.
As such, Zwane is reported to be back at work.
“In this context, the President and Secretary-General met recently to finalise the details of Comrade Zwane’s return to office. Consequently, Comrade Arthur Zwane is back at work with immediate effect,” added Ndhlela.
The party has also revealed that, as a way to further strengthen its internal human capital, the party has transferred Maseko to the Human Resources Department within the party.
The MK Party looks forward Zwane and his collective’s continued contributions to building a strong, vibrant, and resilient MK Party, and to Maseko’s vital role in reinforcing the HR arm of the party.
Zuma has also appointed Magasela Mzobe as head of the presidency of the party. Mzobe is a former Economic Freedom Fighter and ANC Youth league leader.
The party further threatened to take action against its provincial leader in the Eastern Cape over viral letters suspending two of the party’s leaders.
Meanwhile the party expressed unhappiness with how the KwaZulu-Natal legislature’s portfolio committees were structured, and decided to walk out. This led to the ANC, IFP and DA sharing all the portfolio committees among themselves.