Tony Yengeni joins the MK Party as second deputy president. Image: News24.
(The Post News)- Former African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) member Tony Yengeni has officially joined the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and been appointed as its second Deputy President.
According to reports, Yengeni spent decades within the ANC after joining it during the liberation struggle. MK Party leader Jacob Zuma announced that Yengeni had joined MK during a media briefing at the party’s provincial office in Durban on Thursday, 23 October 2025 afternoon.
Zuma told reporters that Yengeni’s appointment strengthens the party’s leadership. “We’ve decided to drag one of our cadres we’ve been with for years. That comrade of ours is going to join us in the leadership; the top leadership is Tony Yengeni,” said Zuma.
Party Explains Roles of Both Deputies
The MK Party explained that Yengeni will oversee the organization’s day-to-day affairs, while Deputy President John Hlophe continues to focus on parliamentary work. “Comrade Yengeni has played many roles; the only position he has not assumed is to be the president,” Zuma said.
Yengeni’s move marks another high-profile defection from the ANC to the MK Party, following months of speculation about his political future. Although Yengeni was a prominent figure within the ANC, his relationship with the party had grown increasingly strained in recent years. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula had previously threatened to charge him with ill-discipline over public criticism of the party’s leadership.
The MK Party stated that Yengeni’s experience and struggle credentials will be vital in consolidating the party’s structures and strengthening its leadership at both provincial and national levels.
In a brief address, Yengeni said he was happy to join MK. He said the MK Party was the only organization that he saw had the potential to truly liberate the people of South Africa. “I am prepared to serve the party to the best of my ability,” he said. Yengeni added that he is happy that he will be working with Zuma again.
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