Zuma shuffles MK party top leadership and elevates son Duduzane to deputy president

MK party leader Jacob Zuma. Picture: Emmanuel Croset / AFP uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK party) president Jacob Zuma has again reshuffled the party’s leadership, removing national chair Nkosinathi Nhleko and deputy president Dr John Hlophe from top posts and elevating his son Duduzane Zuma. The party announced sweeping changes to its top posts, including the removal of MK party’s national chairperson, first deputy president and deputy secretary-general and their replacements.

Zuma relieved Nhleko of his responsibilities as national chairperson with immediate effect, replacing him with Reverend Mxolisi Phakathi. “President Zuma expresses his sincere appreciation to Mr Nkosinathi Nhleko for his dedication, commitment and service to the party during his tenure. The president thanks him for his contribution to building the organisation and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” MK party national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said in a media briefing on Tuesday evening.

Zuma also relieved Hlophe of his post as first deputy president with immediate effect and replaced him with his son Duduzane. In June, Duduzane’s twin sisterDuduzile Zuma-Sambudla was expelled from the partyfor conduct inconsistent with its constitution. Tony Yengeni was appointed as the second deputy president.

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The party, however, confirmed that Hlophe will remain as its parliamentary leader in the National Assembly. “President Zuma extends his sincere gratitude to Dr Hlophe for his leadership, dedication and invaluable contribution to the growth and strengthening of the MK party and wishes him well in his continued service to the organisation,” Mahlangu said. Nomsa Dlamini was removed as deputy secretary-general and replaced by Lindiwe Mtshali. MK party further announced Willis Mchunu’s appointment as part of the presidency collective of the party, while he continues to serve as the KwaZulu-Natal provincial leader.

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