By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Umkhonto We Sizwe Party (MK) has strengthened its leadership structure with a series of key appointments, aimed at bolstering its organisational capacity.
The party’s Secretary General Floyd Shivambu announced the key changes in a media briefing on Thursday.
Shivambu announced the appointment of prominent legal counsel Dali Mpofu as Chairperson of the National Disciplinary Committee.
The party’s Deputy President John Hlophe will serve alongside him as Chairperson of the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeals.
The party has also introduced new leadership in its Women’s and Youth Leagues.
“We have resolved to appoint commander Nothando ‘Thando’ Shozi — Malanga, currently member of the national high command be appointed as a national convener, she carries the necessary composure, discipline, and dedication to guide the full formation of uMkhonto we Sizwe Women’s League,” said Shivambu.
The party resolved to appoint Lindiwe Irene Makubu (Mtshali) as the national co-ordinator of the women’s league.
The MK Women’s League will officially launch on August 9.
Current convener of the MK Youth League in the eThekwini region Qiniso Cibane was appointed national convener of the league, alongside current league spokesperson Nkateko Mkhabela as national co-ordinator.
The youth league is expected to launch on June 16.
Shivambu also announced permanent leadership structures in Gauteng and Limpopo provinces.
In Limpopo, Tshilidzi Maraga, a former EFF Limpopo Chairperson who joined the MK Party after the EFF disbanded its provincial leadership post-election, has been appointed as the provincial coordinator.
She will work alongside Charmaine Nel, the provincial convenor, and other key appointees.
Witness Nyembe as convenor will lead the Gauteng leadership, with Moses Makhaza as his Deputy.
The province’s new coordinator is Mzukisi Ronyuza, supported by deputy coordinator Gavin Khungwayo.
Additional leadership roles include former EFF councillor in Johannesburg Musa Novela, who has been appointed as the provincial organiser.
Shivambu read the riot act, reminding all disgruntled hopefuls who did not make the cut that they are prohibited by the constitution to appeal the national decision.
“We call for maximum discipline in all structures of uMkhonto we Sizwe. No-one is permitted to constitute a parallel structure of process other than what is mandated by the organisation. We will decisively act against all elements that seek to defy the position of upper structures.”
The party has set its sights on Kwa Zulu-Natal as the next province to get a permanent leadership structure, which will be announced on Friday.
Meanwhile the party has appointed former Johannesburg council speaker Colleen Makhubele and Bapedi crown prince Adil Nchabeleng as Members of Parliament.