MK Party in turmoil as deputy president John Hlophe removes spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela from parliamentary whippery and reprimands Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla for disruptive conduct. Image: X.
(The Post News)– The internal political tensions within uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party have escalated after two leaked letters revealed that the party’s Deputy President and Parliamentary Leader, John Hlophe, removed spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela from the parliamentary whippery team and issued a stern reprimand to Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla for disruptive conduct during a recent caucus meeting.
The letters, dated June 23rd and June 26th, respectively, highlight the escalating tensions within the party just weeks into its parliamentary term. While Ndhlela declared on Tuesday he could not confirm the originality of the letters and that they were still being verified, two senior MK Party sources independently confirmed their legitimacy.
According to the first letter, dated 23rd June, Hlophe charged Ndhlela with multiple violations, including undermining organizational unity, engaging in factional activity, using disrespectful language, and obstructing parliamentary communications. The document detailed “repeated occurrences of instances of rude, arrogant, and dismissive communication” toward senior leadership, which Hlophe said compromised the “dignity and collaborative spirit required” within the whippery.
Hlophe further accused Ndhlela of creating internal divisions and acting in an unprofessional manner perceived as factional and counterproductive. He declared that removing Ndhlela from the whippery is aimed at restoring unity, efficiency, and progress within the parliamentary caucus,” urging Ndhlela to meditate on the values of the MK Party and align with its code of conduct.
Though instead of stepping aside, Ndhlela allegedly ignored the instructions and further attended a parliamentary meeting in defiance of his removal. This, without hesitation, prompted Hlophe to escalate the matter in a letter addressed to party president Jacob Zuma on June 26th.
In the second letter, Hlophe expressed concern about Ndhlela’s behavior, claiming that he not only ignored the removal order but also disrespected Chief Whip Colleen Makhubele, calling her a “political novice” and claiming she lacked the authority to dismiss him without top leadership approval. According to Hlophe, in addition to being disrespectful, Ndhlela’s tirade was a direct assault on the Chief Whip’s authority and the leadership team.
Hlophe went on to describe how Ndhlela’s behavior disrupted the meeting and compromised caucus unity. He explained that even though members had decided to settle the matter privately, Ndhlela persisted in bringing it up during the caucus meeting.
Adding fuel to the fire, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla allegedly escalated tensions by interrupting proceedings and ignoring calls for order. Hlophe said she displayed “unruly behavior,” shouting, “Are we not done?” before sitting down after realizing the room did not follow her lead.
He concluded that the conduct of both Ndhlela and Zuma-Sambudla violated the party’s founding principles of Ubuntu, Unity in Action, and Respect, as enshrined in the party’s Constitution and Disciplinary Code of Conduct.
The dispute has clouded the MK Party’s internal discipline and leadership unity as it continues to establish its legislative infrastructure and identity after its 2025 election debut. Political analysts warn that unless swiftly addressed, the rift could undermine the party’s ability to present a cohesive front in Parliament.
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