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On Thursday, Shivambu said R7 million was being withdrawn from party coffers and that Zuma was surrounded by political scoundrels abusing his kindness and sometimes gullibility.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.
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