By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
MK Party suspended its Chief Whip Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi’s membership with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an internal investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption.
Philasande Mkhize has been appointed as Chief Whip.
Mokoena-Zondi has been instructed to hand over all party documents, records, assets, and any other Party-related materials in her possession.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, the party said Mokoena-Zondi’s suspension followed a meeting between party president Jacob Zuma and national party officials.
“Ms Mokoena-Zondi has been instructed to hand over all party documents, records, assets, and any other party related materials in her possession with immediate effect, “it read.
Mokoena-Zondi was arrested last week and appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on fraud charges.
She allegedly collected monies from party researchers ostensibly for Zuma’s legal costs.
The party’s national disciplinary committee prepared a report which found Mokoena-Zondi guilty of extorting 60% of the salaries of at least three of the party’s parliamentary employees and sent it to Floyd Shivambu, who was then secretary general, and the chair of the disciplinary committee.
Despite the panel that was set up for Mokoena’s disciplinary hearing finding her guilty and recommending that she should be fired, the party has not done so.
According to the report, Mokoena did not dispute the allegations or the evidence against her but claimed she was unaware that she needed a lawyer to present her case.
Meanwhile the party is expected to finalise its strategy for the local government elections while formalising its ideological stance on key issues like the economy, the land, and the state of the nation.
Fullview learnt that branches would be expected to contribute to the conference, which will take place amid growing internal concerns and public debate regarding Zuma’s centralised control over party decision-making.
Key leadership shifts and policy directives are frequently managed by Zuma’s national high command and his inner circle rather than by delegates at an elective conference.