In a bold and unexpected move, John Hlophe, the newly appointed deputy president and caucus leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has raised serious concerns about behavior within the party ranks—directly taking aim at two high-profile figures: party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela and former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.
In a letter addressed to MK Party president Jacob Zuma himself, Hlophe accused both individuals of undermining the internal order and discipline of the party. Their conduct, he warned, has become “disruptive” and openly “disrespectful” to the authority of the party’s chief whip—a vital role in managing party cohesion and strategy within Parliament.
The timing of Hlophe’s letter couldn’t be more critical. With the MK Party making waves as a new force in South African politics, the cracks now showing in its top leadership risk becoming a distraction at a moment when unity is crucial. The open criticism of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla—a close family member of the party president—adds an especially dramatic twist, hinting at deeper divisions brewing behind closed doors.
While political infighting is not uncommon, public airing of such grievances so early in the party’s parliamentary life could shake public confidence and open the door to further internal disputes. Whether this is a strategic warning shot or the beginning of a deeper rift remains to be seen.
For now, one thing is clear: the MK Party’s internal dynamics are heating up—and South Africa is watching.
