By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party expelled Members of Parliament Dr. Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala and Pumlani Kubukeli with immediate effect on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
In a statement, Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo said, the decision to expel the two follows a series of acts and conduct, which have been detrimental to the good name, reputation, integrity and interests of the party.
The expulsions were executed under president Jacob Zuma, who invoked Section 7(2)(h) of the MK Party’s constitution, which grants the president the explicit power to establish or restructure organisational components, appoint or remove structures and deployees and act decisively to protect the strategic direction and interests of the party.
He said, the internal party expulsion triggers an immediate loss of their legislative seats.
Nomvalo said, the party was in the process of writing to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to formally communicate the decision and initiate the process for their removal as MPs.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to organisational unity, discipline and integrity.
All members and structures are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the party’s constitution in the interests of unity and comradeship, Nomvalo said.
Other high-profile MPs removed include his daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
Fullview learnt that the expulsion of Kubukeli comes against the backdrop of allegations he has raised over financial irregularities of approximately R33 million within the party.
Kubukeli said, “I laid a charge against Nomvalo and others for embezzling public funds meant for the party. I was invited by President Zuma to lead the Strategic Presidential Team (STP) and now I’m being persecuted for that. There are no reasons given for my expulsion. No allegations, no charges and no disciplinary findings have been presented to me. No national official, including the president, discussed this matter with me.”
“I will not simply accept an expulsion that was never discussed with me and provides no explanation for why I am being removed, added Kubukeli.”
Kubukeli said he joined uMkhonto WeSizwe – the African National Congress (ANC)’s military wing in Angola in 1982 and this is why when the MK Party was formed, he felt that this was the vehicle that would finally emancipate the people of South Africa.