IOL Reporter|Published6 hours agoDuduzane Zuma elevated to MK Party deputy president as Jacob Zuma tightens control

Jacob Zuma has appointed his son Duduzane Zuma as the MK Party’s first deputy president, placing him second in command and fuelling speculation about the party’s succession plans. Duduzane Zuma has been propelled into the upper ranks of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party after his father, former president Jacob Zuma, appointed him as the party’s first deputy president during a sweeping leadership overhaul. It places him directly below his father in the party hierarchy and is likely to intensify speculation that Jacob Zuma is positioning his son as a future successor.

Former Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe was removed as first deputy president but will remain the MK Party’s parliamentary leader in the National Assembly. Veteran politician Tony Yengeni was confirmed as the party’s second deputy president. Duduzane Zuma’s elevation is expected to spark debate over succession within the MK Party.

Although he has previously attempted to build his political profile, including campaigning within the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, he has never held elected public office or served as a Member of Parliament. The leadership changes extended well beyond the deputy presidency. Former police minister Nathi Nhleko was removed as national chairperson and replaced by Reverend Phakathi.

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The party did not provide further details about Phakathi’s background. Nomsa Dlamini was dismissed as deputy secretary-general, with Lindiwe Mtshali appointed in her place.

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