By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has expelled Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela from the party with immediate effect.
MK Party Secretary General Sibonelo Nomvalo made the announcement during the media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, in the presence of party leader Jacob Zuma.
Nomvalo said, the actions of both members created confusion among supporters, encouraged factionalism and weakened organisational discipline.
He said Zuma-Sambudla repeatedly used public platforms and social media to promote factional narratives, challenge leadership decisions and expose internal matters.
Ndhlela is accused of acting without authority, holding unauthorised media briefings and misrepresenting official party positions and structures.
“Their conduct included unauthorised public statements and actions that created internal divisions within the party,” Nomvalo told reporters.
The party also raised concerns about the conduct of both members following the death of MK Party MP Muzi Ntshingila.
Nomvalo said both members had participated in an activity that resulted in the transfer of an ailing Ntshingila to another health facility without the knowledge of his family.
The party said neither Zuma-Sambudla nor Ndhlela had authority to involve themselves in matters relating to Ntshingila’s illness or to separate him from his family. It also said concerns had been raised about the removal of Ntshingila’s personal belongings from his parliamentary residence without the knowledge of his family.
Invoking powers vested in Zuma under the MK Party constitution, the organisation announced the immediate expulsion of both members.
“Their membership of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party is hereby terminated, and they shall no longer enjoy any rights, privileges, responsibilities or authority associated with membership of the organisation,” Nomvalo said.
The expulsion marks another dramatic development in Zuma-Sambudla’s political career after she resigned as party MP in November 2025 amid allegations linked to the recruitment of 17 South African men who ended up in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The latest developments add to a series of leadership changes within the MK Party since its formation. Among them was the resignation of former chief whip Colleen Makhubele, who was subsequently replaced by Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi.