Durban – The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in KwaZulu-Natal is teetering on the brink of implosion as internal power struggles reach a fever pitch. At the heart of the turmoil is a concerted effort by a faction of party officials to oust Floyd Shivambu, the MKP secretary-general, from his influential position.
Shivambu, since his arrival at the nascent political party, has faced relentless criticism and resistance from within. His appointment has seemingly exposed deep-seated divisions and rivalries that threaten to derail the MKP's momentum.
Now, the latest salvo against Shivambu comes from within the provincial legislature, where a cabal of Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) representing the MKP are reportedly baying for his blood. The party secured 37 seats in the provincial legislature after a strong showing in the 2024 May general elections, garnering a 45% vote share in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mervyn Dirks, the party’s chief whip in the legislature, has penned a scathing letter to party leader Zuma, outlining the extent of the factionalism and the plot to undermine the party's leadership.
The letter reveals the emergence of a "parallel caucus" in the legislature, allegedly led by former chief whip and commander Thobani Zuma. This faction appears to be challenging the authority of the established party structures and leadership.
“Since the ‘return’ of the three suspended, we have seen the emergence of a parallel caucus in the legislature led by former chief whip and commander Thobani [Zuma]. In the meeting, they made it clear that they don’t recognise the MKP constitution. They don’t recognise the SG [secretary-general], head of presidency, and the chief whip of MKP,” reads Dirks' letter.
The three individuals referenced in the letter as having been "suspended" are Thobani Zuma, Kwazi Mbanjwa, and Sifiso Zuma.
Dirks believes the ultimate aim of this faction is to undermine the recent leadership changes implemented by the MKP, including the appointment of Shivambu and Zuma's endorsement of him as a key figure within the party.
“They are only recognising Kwazi Mbanjwa as their only chief whip. They demand that Thobani and others be immediately reinstated. They further demand a meeting with president Zuma to dress the above. It is clear that the above is well-orchestrated to undermine the decision-making of the MKP,” Dirks stated.
The situation has escalated to the point where 19 of the 37 MKP MPLs convened a special meeting, barring Dirks and Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, the party leader in the legislature, from attending.
Mbanjwa, a former chief whip, was suspended in 2024 along with Zuma on allegations that legislature funds had disappeared under their watch.
While attempts have been made to downplay the severity of the divisions within the ANC splinter party, some senior leaders within the MKP suspect that the party has been infiltrated by its political rivals. The belief is that this infiltration is an attempt to neutralise the party's influence ahead of the crucial municipal elections in 2026.
The MKP had a promising start in its maiden elections, securing a significant victory in KwaZulu-Natal with close to 2-million declared votes. However, the current infighting threatens to undermine its support base and jeopardise its future prospects.
As the battle for control within the MKP intensifies, the future of the party remains uncertain. Whether Jacob Zuma can quell the internal rebellion and restore unity remains to be seen.
