Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, President of the ODP. Jacob Zuma is dogged. (Photo: MKP/X)
Former Pres. Jacob Zuma has expelled his daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla from his party with immediate effect.
Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the former national spokesperson of the uMkhonto weSizwe party (MKP), was also expelled from the party. Ndhlela was already provisionally suspended last month.
Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela’s suspension stems from, among other things, their actions before and after the death of Edward Muzikayise (Muzi) Ntshingila, an MKP MP. Ntshingila died at the beginning of this month after a long illness.
Sibonelo Nomvalo, the secretary general of the MKP, revealed at a media conference in Sandton on Thursday afternoon that Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela “participated in an activity that led to the transfer of a sick Ntshingila to another health facility without his family’s knowledge.
“None of the individuals had any authority to get involved in matters concerning Ntshingila’s illness or to separate him from his family.
“The party also notes concerns about the removal of Ntshingila’s personal belongings from his parliamentary residence without his family’s knowledge,” Nomvalo said on Thursday afternoon.
Edward Muzikayise Ntshingila died earlier this month. (Photo: @Shezwethu / X)
Nomvalo also revealed at the media conference that John Hlophe, the MKP’s parliamentary leader, told Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela not to attend Ntshingila’s funeral after receiving complaints from the family.
Hlophe also asked them to refrain from public statements, comments or posts on social media that could cause further tension for the family, especially regarding Ntshingila and matters surrounding his marital status.
But according to Nomvalo, Zuma-Sambudla did not heed this and made certain statements on social media.
“The party considers this behavior to be insensitive, disrespectful towards a grieving family and contrary to the values, discipline and standards expected of members of the organisation.”
“As a party, we offer our deepest apologies to the Ntshingila family for any tension caused during this difficult time,” Nomvola said on Thursday afternoon.
However, this is not the only reason why Zuma decided to suspend his daughter and her close ally.
“The national officials considered a series of actions, public statements and activities by Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela which were contrary to the constitutional obligations of members and leaders of the MKP and which undermined organizational unity, discipline and cohesion,” explained Nomvalo.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of ex-pres. Jacob Zuma. (Photo: uMkhonto WeSizwe Party / X).
“In the case of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the party noted repeated public statements and social media posts that undermined organizational unity, promoted factional narratives, publicly discredited recognized party leadership structures, challenged the legitimacy of party decisions and brought internal organizational matters into the public domain.”
Nomvola explained that this action of Zuma-Sambudla ultimately contributed to division within the MKP and undermined confidence in the party’s leadership.
“The party further noted her participation in and promotion of activities outside of officially approved party programs, including behavior that created confusion among members and supporters regarding the official position and programs of the organization.”
Nomvalo says that this action encouraged fragmentation in the party.
Ndhlela, in turn, is accused of holding media conferences without the necessary approval from recognized party structures. He is also accused, among other things, of misrepresenting certain party positions and structures and participating in activities outside of authorized party programs.
“After the national officials have carefully considered the seriousness, scope and cumulative impact of this behaviour, they have decided that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela have acted in a manner that is fundamentally contrary to the values, discipline, constitutional principles and organizational interests of the MKP.
“Their membership has been terminated and they will no longer enjoy any rights, privileges, responsibilities and authority associated with membership of the organization,” Nomvalo said on Thursday.
Nhlamulo Ndhlela in Oudpres. Jacob Zuma. (Photo: MKP/X)