Mary Phadi, the leader of Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) in Mpumalanga, has been expelled from the organisation following serious allegations against her, including accusations of attempting to orchestrate the murder of a rival MK member and misappropriating funds. The MK Party confirmed the move, citing Phadi’s failure to voluntarily resign after being given a three-day ultimatum to step down.
Phadi, who is also the president of the Truckers Association of South Africa and a well-known figure in the trucking industry, stands accused of hiring ‘inkabis’—alleged hitmen—to kill General Tough Mdluli, a senior member of the MK Party in the province. According to reports by Sunday World, Mdluli claimed to have received multiple death threats and voice recordings in which Phadi allegedly discussed plans to have him killed. He further accused Phadi of manipulating the party’s provincial list, ensuring her own name was placed at the top in what he described as an unethical move.
In a statement, the MK Party outlined the steps taken to address the situation, explaining that Phadi had been given the opportunity to voluntarily resign but had failed to comply. As a result, the President of the MK Party made the decision to revoke Phadi’s membership with immediate effect, noting that the gravity of the allegations, coupled with her inadequate responses, left the leadership no choice but to act decisively.
In addition to the allegations of murder conspiracy, Phadi is accused of financial misconduct, including the misappropriation of funds, which has further damaged the organisation’s reputation. The MK Party condemned her actions as a breach of the values the movement stands for, adding that her leadership had brought the organisation into disrepute.
“The Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature has been informed, and all relevant documents terminating Phadi’s membership have been sent to the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature,” the MK Party said in its statement.
Phadi’s dismissal marks a dramatic fall from grace for a figure once considered influential both within the party and in the trucking industry. As the controversy unfolds, the termination of her membership is expected to have significant repercussions for both the MK Party in Mpumalanga and the broader political landscape in the region.
