MK Party has had 7 Secretaries-General in under a year - Analysts call it a 'One-Man Show'
Political analysts says the rotation of seven secretary-generals reflects instability and suggests MK Party is Jacob Zuma's project, managed as he wishes.
Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers
Political analysts have slammed Former President Jacob Zuma's Umkhonto weSizwe (MK Party) as a 'one-man show' after its leader said that the party has had seven secretaries general in under a year.
Some were of the view that the party is Zuma's own 'personal project,' which he runs as he wishes.
Zuma spoke at the launch of the MKP Youth Branch in Claremont on Monday, reigniting concerns over the party's internal instability, leadership style, and long-term viability.
Zuma defended the party's decision to cycle through seven Secretaries-General in under a year.
'We're not here to play games,' he said.
'This is not an organisation to make money, it is an organization to liberate South Africa,' Zuma told supporters.
'If one of us goes off track, we don't beg them.'
However, independent political analyst Goodenough Mashego said the turnover in senior leadership is less about discipline and more about Zuma's whims, pointing to a worrying pattern of autocratic control.
Speaking to IOL News on Tuesday, Mashego said the repeated removal and replacement of secretary-generals reflects a deeper issue within the party's structure.
'Zuma is the one looking for a certain caliber of secretary-general,' said Mashego.
'It's not the party's membership that determines that. Skills and popularity with members don't matter; what matters is who Zuma wants.'
'If Zuma wants a secretary-general who can't even write the word 'tomorrow,' the MK Party will get one who can't write. If he wants someone who can't read, that's who will be appointed…,' Mashego said.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Mashego described the secretary-general as the engine of any political organisation, responsible for managing membership, expanding structures, and coordinating development at provincial, regional, and branch levels.
'When the secretary-general is unstable, the entire party becomes unstable,' he said.
'Most of the people removed from that position weren't even given a chance to prove themselves. Some were removed within two weeks.'
'You can't build a political party on one man's whim,' he added.
'You need vision, a mission, and a democratic mandate. The MK Party, apart from the votes it got in the 2024 general election, has no such mandate. Its leadership was not elected, it was appointed.'
Meanwhile, the latest demotion of Floyd Shivambu as the secretary-general for the party has raised eyebrows.
Even though the party claimed Shivambu would be deployed to Parliament, IOL News previously reported that his name does not appear on the party's official list of Members of Parliament.
This has raised speculation that he may have been quietly removed from the party.
Mashego said this again points to the 'undemocratic structure' of the MKP.
'No one in MK's leadership was elected. All were appointed and continue to be shuffled based on Zuma's decisions. That's why it's so easy for the party to move people around,' he said.
He argued that MKP is not a political party in the conventional sense.
'I've said many times, that MK is a project. Projects have a start date and an end date,' Mashego said.
'This party exists to reclaim the ANC. If the ANC's leadership in 2027 doesn't suit MK's ambitions, the party won't survive to 2029.'
He warned that MKP is likely hoping a figure like Deputy President Paul Mashatile will emerge as ANC leader in 2027, someone they believe might recall President Cyril Ramaphosa, exit the GNU, and realign with MKP.
'That's their way of creeping back into power,' he said.
Professor Theo Neethling echoed Mashego's concerns.
He said while the MK Party claims to carry forward the liberation legacy of the ANC's former armed wing, the original Umkhonto weSizwe, Zuma's interpretation of democratic principles is troubling.
'Zuma's stance on the Constitution is often ambiguous, if not outright contradictory,' Neethling told IOL News.
'He publicly acknowledges the Constitution's role in protecting democracy and rights, but many of his actions suggest a willingness to sidestep or undermine it - particularly on land reform, corruption, and the rule of law.'
Neethling said the MK Party has openly stated it will not hold elective conferences, which is something that sets it apart from even the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), often criticised for being tightly controlled by its leader, Julius Malema.
'Malema is accused of running the EFF like a personal project, but at least the party holds elective conferences. MK Party doesn't... That's extraordinary in a democracy,' said Neethling.
Commenting on Shivambu's demotion, he said,'It's becoming clear that MK Party may be the most undemocratic party ever to win parliamentary seats in post-1994 South Africa.'
Neethling said Zuma appears to believe in a form of democracy rooted in racial majoritarianism.
'Now that white minority rule is over, he seems to think that the party representing the black majority, according to him, MK Party, should have unchecked power. This raises real concerns about democratic backsliding,' he said.
'Zuma did not hesitate to attack the Constitution in recent years, and that shows clear signs of anti-constitutionalism.'
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
17 hours ago
- IOL News
uMkhonto WeSizwe Party announces new MPs, excludes Floyd Shivambu
New Members of Parliament sworn in by uMkhonto WeSizwe, but Floyd Shivambu left out Image: Tumi Pakkies The uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) Party has officially announced the nomination and swearing of nine new Members of Parliament (MPs) to the National Assembly to fill vacant seats, but excluded former secretary general Floyd Shivambu. On Saturday, Colleen Makhubele, the MK Party's chief whip, announced that the new members will be sworn in on Wednesday in the Speaker's Boardroom in the Parliament of South Africa. The incoming MPs are Mr Lungisani Graduate Shangase, Mr Jeffrey Bhekumndeni Mtolo, Mr Zibuse Khayelihle Abednego Cele, Mr Siphetho Witness Mkhize, Ms Philisande Mkhize, Mr Gift Motaung, Ms Noma Buthelezi, Ms Ntandoyenkosi Nkosentsha Shezi, and Ms Khanyisile Litchfield According to the MK party, these individuals bring diverse experience and dedication, poised to bolster the party's efforts to serve South Africans and uphold the core values of democracy, equality, and justice. Makhubele said the party is committed to effective representation and pursuing policies that benefit all citizens. "These new members exemplify our commitment to building a better future for South Africa. We look forward to working with them as we continue to advocate for the rights and interests of our people," she said. Meanwhile, Shivambu, who was demoted as party secretary general and promised a seat as an MP, has taken a different path. On Thursday, Shivambu held a press briefing revealing plans to initiate a nationwide consultation with various church leaders and community stakeholders. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He indicated that this process aims to determine whether to establish a new political party, independent of the MK party. This move follows recent reports by IOL of the MK Party's decision to exclude Shivambu from its parliamentary list, a move that Shivambu criticised publicly. In removing Shivambu from his position as the party's SG, the MK party cited Shivambu's unauthorised visit to Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi as a breach of party protocol. However, Shivambu dismissed the party's reasons, claiming he was demoted because he had questioned the embezzlement of R7 million from the party's funds. 'I was redeployed for daring to speak out against corruption within the party. Despite this, I remain committed to serving the people and will not leave the MK party.' 'I am exploring the possibility of forming a new political entity that reflects our shared values," Shivambu stated during the briefing. He further indicated that he would proceed with the potential formation of a new political platform, emphasising that his actions are motivated by a desire to promote transparency and accountability in South African politics.
IOL News
17 hours ago
- IOL News
Internal turmoil in uMkhonto weSizwe Party following Shivambu's dismissal
Former uMkhonto weSizwe Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu is planning to establish his own political party. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers While uMkhonto weSizwe Party's (MKP's) national leadership has remained mum on the way forward for the organisation after secretary-general Floyd Shivambu's axing, an open letter from its eThekwini region is demanding urgent, drastic action. Former president Jacob Zuma's MKP dismissed Shivambu earlier this month over an unsanctioned trip to fugitive Malawian self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri. Barely two weeks after his sacking, the former EFF deputy president announced plans to establish a new political party while he insisted he would remain a member of the MKP. 'I'm saying that we are going to consult with the people of South Africa, and if uMkhonto weSizwe believes that going to listen to people violates that constitution, then it will tell me that,' Shivambu said. In a scathing rebuke of MKP this week, Shivambu made serious allegations of misappropriation of funds by some party leaders and involvement in illegal activities such as drug abuse. The open letter from a member in the eThekwini region calls for the immediate suspension of MKP MP and chairperson of the southern caucus of the Pan-African Parliament, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, for her alleged involvement in mismanagement of funds and undue influence on the party's decision-making processes. It also calls for national spokesperson and MP, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, to be suspended for any potential involvement in the party's internal conflicts and power struggles. According to the letter, MKP head of presidency Magasela Mzobe should also face suspension for any role he may have played in the alleged mismanagement of party funds or internal conflicts. Shivambu is also not spared as the call for suspensions extends to him as well for his role in the alleged mismanagement of party funds and his recent public allegations that have brought the party into disrepute. On Thursday, Shivambu said R7 million was being withdrawn from party coffers and that Zuma was surrounded by political scoundrels abusing his kindness and sometimes gullibility. The letter also states that there is a lack of transparency and accountability in the MKP, as the alleged involvement of Zuma-Sambudla and her associates in the mismanagement of funds is unacceptable and has not been adequately addressed. It further added that Zuma-Sambudla's undue influence, as well as her cabal, on the party's decision-making processes is concerning and may undermine its principles. Additionally, there is policy confusion, which is shown by the recent controversy surrounding Morocco. The letter added that the issue of Morocco is a prime example of how decisions are being made without consulting ordinary members and that this policy position has never been discussed. 'The MKP's revolutionary duties should not be compromised by the ego-based politics and self-importance of a few individuals,' reads the letter. The party's national leadership has been urged to take swift action to address the concerns raised and allow the organisation to continue its mission to serve the people. 'If President Zuma chooses to prioritise these individuals over the organisation, he must be prepared to face the consequences, including the potential loss of public support,' the MKP is warned. The party has been accused of being more focused on personal gain and power struggles rather than its revolutionary duties. Zuma-Sambudla, Ndhlela, and Mzobe did not respond to requests for comment on Saturday. Meanwhile, party on Saturday announced nine new MPs, including former member of the ANC, EFF, and UDM, Khanyisile Litchfield, and another erstwhile EFF member and Zuma ally Nkosentsha Shezi. The new MPs, who include Lungisani Shangase, Bhekumndeni Mtolo, Zibuse Cele, Siphetho Mkhize, Philisande Mkhize, Noma Buthelezi, and Gift Motaung, will be sworn in on Wednesday in Parliament. [email protected]
IOL News
17 hours ago
- IOL News
How the Correctional Services plans to allocate R1. 2 billion for prisoner food provision
The Department of Correctional Services has placed the provision of food for prisoners as one of the top four cost drivers of its budget after compensation of employees, property payments, and public-private partnership support. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers The Department of Correctional Services has allocated R1.2 billion for the provision of food for its more than 100,000 prisoners in the 2025/26 financial year, Minister Pieter Groenewald said. Responding to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Betty Diale, Groenewald said the department spent R1.4 billion on the provision of food on prisoners in 2023/24 financial year. The amount had increased to R1.5 billion in the last financial year that ended in March 2025. 'For the 2025/26 financial year, the department allocated R1,286,972,000 for the provision of nutrition to inmates,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading In its 2025-2030 strategic plan, the department places the provision of food for prisoners as one of the top four cost drivers of its budget after compensation of employees, property payments, and public-private partnership support. The document puts the provision for food to the tune of R952,975. Groenewald also said the department planned to maximise the utilisation of the services of the prisoners to produce food for themselves, to enable the department to redirect funds to other essential programmes. He said the prisoners will participate in the production workshops in agriculture to maximise their skills utilisation for bread and agricultural production for their ration. 'The self-sufficiency and sustainability programme in the department is centred around offender development, through the provision of work opportunities to offenders in bakeries and agriculture. Expansion of bakeries and agricultural projects towards an increase in offender skills utilisation for food production,' he said. The department's strategic plan document states that the department wants to become self-sustainable through activities such as those in production workshops, bakeries, agriculture, skills development, formal education and training, as well as through arts and culture. 'The department will expand marketing of production workshops' products and services to other client departments to improve revenue generation.' Meanwhile, Groenewald revealed that the cost per capita per inmate incarcerated for the 2025/26 financial year is R462.13 per day. Asked how his department managed financial implications for imprisonment of foreign nationals, he said there were 13,181 sentenced foreign nationals in prisons as at May 4 this year. 'The total cost to accommodate 13,181 sentenced foreign nationals on 4 May 2025 was R6,091,335.53 per day.' He stated that foreign national prisoners were not a separate category of inmates. Groenewald added that there were currently no bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries to transfer sentenced foreign national prisoners to serve in their countries of origin. 'The DCS is in consultation with the South African Police Service, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and Department of International Relations and Cooperation to formalise a South African procedure to inter-state transfer of offenders.'
