MK Party at a Crossroads: Internal Power Struggle Deepens with Bid to Remove Mary Phadi
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is in the throes of a fierce internal power struggle that has intensified to alarming levels, with a new bid to remove Mary Phadi from both the provincial leadership and the Mpumalanga provincial legislature. The move, confirmed by party sources on Sunday, June 22, 2025, signals a deepening rift within the party, threatening its unity as the 2026 local government elections approach.
Phadi, a divisive figure within the MK Party, was dismissed by party leader Jacob Zuma on November 19, 2024, under serious allegations of involvement in an assassination plot—charges she vehemently denies. However, the courts stepped in, reinstating Phadi as a party member on December 3, 2024, after ruling that her dismissal was unconstitutional.
Despite the court ruling, the national leadership, firmly backing former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane as the legitimate provincial convenor, has repeatedly asserted that Phadi has no right to her leadership position. Phadi, on the other hand, claims to have Zuma’s support, dismissing Mkhwebane as an “ordinary member” and escalating the situation with an unauthorized media briefing on May 28, 2025.
The latest counter-application to oust Phadi is just one chapter in a broader purge within the MK Party. High-profile exits, including figures like Floyd Shivambu and Mzwanele Manyi, have raised concerns about the party’s future. As factions within the party clash over leadership and ideological control, analysts warn that this bitter infighting could erode MK’s credibility, leaving it vulnerable in upcoming elections.
With tensions escalating and a legal battle underway, the MK Party’s ability to reconcile its warring factions and present a united front remains uncertain. As the drama continues to unfold, all eyes will be on how the party navigates its internal crisis—and whether it can recover its standing before the critical 2026 elections.
