Factional Battles Explode in MK Party
Just when you think the political drama in South Africa can't get any messier, the MK Party manages to prove otherwise. The group, which has always been close to the orbit of former president Jacob Zuma, now finds itself torn apart by severe factional infighting, accusations of misconduct, and even threats of multi-million rand lawsuits. What set this off? A State of the Nation Address (SONA) response by John Hlophe—now dubbed both “poorly written” and intentionally divisive by insiders—with fallout that’s left the party on the verge of an identity crisis.
The background is as chaotic as you’d expect. Hlophe, who leads MK’s parliamentary team, has landed himself right in the crosshairs after speaking in parliament in a way that not only ruffled feathers but exposed deep rifts within MK’s top ranks. Instead of uniting, the address became fuel: it drew fire for lacking substance and tact, and exposed splits among those loyal to Zuma and supporters of other leading figures.
One of those figures is Floyd Shivambu, who’s had a rough ride in the spotlight. Recently, Shivambu was sidelined from his role as secretary-general. His mistake? An unauthorized trip to Malawi where he met with controversial Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, without clearing it with party leadership. Combine this with accusations of ethnic tensions inside the movement and regular reshuffling of senior roles, and you start to see why analysts are ringing alarm bells about the party’s direction.
Legal Drama and Leadership at Breaking Point
This internal drama doesn’t stop at secret trips and safe house meetings. Hlophe is now viewed by some as a crisis instigator. His leaked letter lashing out at party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela painted a picture of chaos—Ndhlela was blamed for being disruptive, while Chief Whip Colleen Makhubele was also targeted for supposed lapses in discipline. If that wasn’t enough, someone tried to use a forged email (bearing Hlophe's signature) to push Ndhlela out of the whippery, which only deepened mistrust within the party.
Meanwhile, Makhubele is feeling the heat. Critics are accusing her of making decisions autocratically—one flashpoint being her stance on the Israel-Palestine debate, which has further divided the caucus. There’s open talk about removing her entirely, and it’s not just about political positions—members dislike how she manages internal protocols.
Jacob Zuma’s influence looms large, and critics say many decisions just reflect loyalty games, not merit. As 2026’s local elections approach, there are hushed debates about whether the party’s so-called democratic processes are anything more than window dressing. Supporters and analysts alike are openly asking if the movement can actually pull together before it’s too late.
Adding more fuel, personal beefs are now bubbling up in public. Ndhlela, the embattled spokesperson, has slapped Shivambu with a R3 million defamation lawsuit. The claim? Shivambu allegedly hinted in front of party members that Ndhlela abuses drugs and alcohol. If that lawsuit goes ahead, MK Party’s dirty laundry will be aired for everyone to see.
Not to be outdone, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla—Jacob Zuma’s own daughter—has been scolded for taking over caucus meetings and refusing to follow agreed protocols. Her repeated interruptions have left other members wondering who’s really in charge and what it takes to get the party back in line.
With so many open wounds, the MK Party can’t avoid the spotlight any longer. Leaders have now called a media briefing, desperate to show that they’re taking control of this spiraling situation. But with fake emails, power plays, ongoing lawsuits, and a looming sense that no one really trusts anyone else, this isn’t just ordinary political drama—it’s a war for the soul and future of the MK Party.
