The Mbombela High Court delivered a significant ruling on Tuesday, 3 December, in favor of Mary Phadi, the expelled provincial leader of the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party. Phadi had been ousted in November 2024 following serious allegations, including misappropriation of party funds, tarnishing the party’s image, and even conspiring to harm a member of the Mpumalanga legislature. These charges, which Phadi vehemently denied, led to her expulsion when she allegedly failed to justify her continued membership in the party. As a result, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane was appointed as her replacement.
Phadi, however, did not accept the decision quietly. In response, she filed an urgent application in court, challenging her expulsion. In a favorable outcome for Phadi, the Mbombela High Court ruled that she should be immediately reinstated to her roles as the MK provincial convener, an employee of the MKP in the Mpumalanga provincial legislature, and as the party leader. Phadi expressed her relief and joy after the ruling, describing the allegations against her as baseless propaganda designed to defame her character. She firmly maintained that there was no truth to the accusations and stressed that she had never been arrested in connection with any of the charges.
The former MK provincial leader also criticized her party for failing to follow due process in handling her removal. She pointed out that her expulsion was communicated to her without any formal letter or proper consultation, highlighting the lack of transparency in the decision-making process. “We consulted them to engage with us, but they did not return. It’s obvious they had a mission,” Phadi remarked, adding that the actions taken against her were politically motivated. As the MK party looks ahead to the 2026 elections, Phadi expressed confidence that her reinstatement would strengthen the party’s leadership and strategy moving forward.
Phadi’s supporters rallied behind her in the wake of the court’s ruling, echoing her sentiment that the treatment she received was unjust. Isa Mlambo, one of her staunch supporters, expressed frustration at the way Phadi had been treated, emphasizing her dedication to the party and its struggle. “She has been with us from the start. Imagine running elections on a zero budget. We are where we are because of her support,” Mlambo said, underscoring Phadi’s role in building the party from the ground up. For many of her backers, the ruling reaffirmed their belief in her leadership and commitment to the party’s cause.
The timing of the court’s decision was also a source of celebration for Phadi and her supporters, as it coincided with her birthday, making the ruling feel like a personal victory. Zinhle Manqele, another supporter, congratulated Phadi, noting the significance of the decision as both a professional and personal triumph. “This is the best birthday gift,” Manqele said, emphasizing the sense of justice and vindication that Phadi felt after months of adversity.
Despite the court’s ruling, the MK party, through its national spokesman Nhlamulo Ndlela, indicated that it would review the court papers and respond accordingly. The party has been given 15 days to challenge the decision, signaling that the legal battle may not be over. As the situation unfolds, both Phadi and the MK party are likely to remain at the center of attention as they navigate the future of the party and the ongoing legal complexities surrounding Phadi’s leadership.
