Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo has accused senior party figures of working together to remove him from his position, claiming the dispute is rooted in internal factionalism and his decision to expel two prominent members.
Nomvalo made the allegations in a letter dated 26 October and addressed to MK Party president Jacob Zuma. He named former eThekwini mayor and party mayoral candidate Zandile Gumede, Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi and Lindelani Mbambo, the party’s head of presidency, as members of what he described as a political cartel.
The former secretary-general alleged that Mbambo obstructed his attempt to secure a meeting with Zuma after his removal. According to Nomvalo, Mbambo’s conduct was linked to his alleged association with a faction seeking greater control over the party’s organisational machinery.
A dispute over control
Nomvalo said the alleged campaign against him began after he expelled Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the MK Party president’s daughter, and Nhlamulo Ndhlela from the organisation. The expulsions deepened tensions between Nomvalo and the two members, who were removed on allegations of misconduct.
He rejected the accusations contained in the letter that preceded his dismissal, describing them as untrue, malicious and designed to damage his standing. Nomvalo argued that the allegations were manufactured to influence Zuma’s decisions and turn party members against him before he was forced out.
“To the best of my knowledge, Cde. Lindelani Mbambo is an associate of a newly formed factional caucus which has spearheaded the removal of some of our comrades from their previous positions with a view to gaining total control of organisational processes.”
He also alleged that some MK Party leaders had circulated false intelligence reports to settle political disputes. Nomvalo said he had faced claims that he was trying to destroy fellow party members, but maintained that he had instead been resisting propaganda directed at him.
Leadership change follows election concerns
Zuma dismissed Nomvalo from the secretary-general position last week. The reasons cited in the available account included concerns about the selection of councillor candidates, internal factionalism and delays in the distribution of campaign materials.
| Issue | Nomvalo’s position |
|---|---|
| Removal from office | He says the allegations against him were fabricated and factionally motivated. |
| Internal organisation | He alleges a group sought control of party processes. |
| Previous expulsions | He links the conflict to action against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela. |
The quarrel places the party’s internal administration under scrutiny at a time when the selection of candidates and the delivery of campaign material are already cited as areas of concern. For the party, the immediate benefit of resolving the dispute would be clearer authority over candidate decisions and campaign operations. The cost is the risk that public allegations of factional conduct could further unsettle members and supporters.
What remains contested
Nomvalo’s letter sets out his version of events, but the available account does not establish the truth of the allegations against Gumede, Phakathi or Mbambo. It also does not provide a response from those named in the accusations. The central contest is therefore not only over Nomvalo’s position, but over who controls the party’s structures and how disciplinary decisions are made.
For Zuma, the episode presents a familiar political balancing act: maintaining authority over a party whose senior figures appear divided while keeping its organisational processes moving. Nomvalo, meanwhile, is seeking an opportunity to challenge the reasons for his dismissal and to place the internal dispute before the party president.
The outcome will depend on whether the MK Party treats the matter as a disciplinary dispute involving one former office-bearer or as evidence of a wider struggle over leadership and organisational control. Until the competing claims are tested, the allegations remain part of an unresolved internal political battle.
