Tensions within the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party reached new heights when Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla publicly criticized party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu. The daughter of former President Jacob Zuma took to X (formerly Twitter) to unleash a series of insults, calling Shivambu “the worst thing that ever happened to the MK Party.” Her posts, which have stirred significant controversy, follow growing calls for Shivambu’s resignation, particularly after a viral letter from the KwaZulu-Natal region voiced dissatisfaction with his leadership.
Zuma-Sambudla, aware of the potential consequences, boldly declared she would not back down from her stance. In a tweet, she claimed to be the real co-founder of the MK Party and expressed indifference about the possibility of her expulsion. “Floyd, I’m not scared of you,” she wrote, followed by strong language aimed at Shivambu and his supporters. Her defiance, coupled with her harsh criticism, has sparked a firestorm within the party.
In response to the posts, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party issued an official statement condemning Zuma-Sambudla’s behavior. The party emphasized that her comments were a direct violation of their disciplinary code, especially given her position within the party. Jacob Zuma, in his capacity as the party’s leader, ordered that she publicly apologize to Shivambu, party members, and South Africans for the disrespect shown in her social media posts.
Zuma-Sambudla has been given an ultimatum: issue an apology or face immediate expulsion and the loss of her party roles. If she refuses, the party has threatened to terminate her membership and recall her from any leadership responsibilities. The ongoing feud has raised concerns about the stability of the MK Party and the potential fallout from this public rift.
