MKP president Jacob Zuma is expected to announce new party secretary-general.Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
A powerful scene unfolded in Nkandla over the weekend: more than 100 traditional leaders, or amakhosi, descended on the home of former president and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leader, Jacob Zuma. Their mission was clear—they wanted a say in who becomes the party’s next Secretary‑General. But when they arrived, thinking their voices would be heard, they found only silence.
Prince Khulekani Dlomo, leading the delegation from KwaZulu‑Natal’s Makhabeleni Traditional Council, expressed frustration: “We were led to believe we’d meet Zuma. He wasn’t there—and we were treated like commoners.” The gathering wasn’t a protest; it was a plea: amakhosi want to select the new SG—a leader who understands their protocols and traditions.
Though the group didn’t name their preferred candidate, insiders believe they’re rallying behind Induna Phumlani Mfeka, founder of Injeje yaBenguni, an organization advocating for the interests of traditional leaders and African nationalism. A rival faction, however, backs MKP militant figure Bonginkosi Khanyile, making the SG race a flashpoint for internal power struggles. The MKP has removed Floyd Shivambu from the role, creating another vacancy. Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said a new SG will be announced soon. (The Citizen)
This demand for representation by the amakhosi stems from deeper dissatisfaction. Earlier this year, traditional leaders publicly challenged the MKP’s failure to follow through on promises made during the 2024 election campaign—especially around giving amakhosi more power, including a proposed advisory council within the party. Now, many warn that if nothing changes, they could withdraw their support altogether. (Daily Maverick)
At the heart of this is Jacob Zuma’s MKP—a party launched in December 2023, steeped in traditionalist symbolism and founded on Zuma’s break with the ANC. MKP quickly shook up the political landscape—winning 58 seats in its first election and emerging as the third-largest party in Parliament. (The Guardian, Reuters, Wikipedia)
Yet this early success has been marred by instability. Since its inception, persons including Sihle Ngubane, Arthur Zwane, Thanduxolo Dyodo and briefly Sifiso Maseko, served as Secretary‑General—making it one of the most volatile roles in South African politics. Floyd Shivambu took up the post in November 2024, only to be removed six months later amid internal conflicts and a scandal over an unsanctioned visit to a fugitive church leader. (Explain)
MKP’s internal divisions are widening. Shivambu, heralded for revamping the party’s constitution, responded to his removal with a dramatic warning: “Demote me, and the MKP will collapse.” His accusations that Zuma’s circle is undermining his leadership intensified the drama. Meanwhile, Isaac Leshona, Zuma’s former private secretary, warned of a looming party split if the infighting continues. (ireportsouthafrica.co.za)
This brings us back to the amakhosi—a constituency rooted in KwaZulu-Natal’s rural, cultural heartland. Their demand for a Secretary‑General from their ranks isn’t just about tradition—it’s a bid to preserve influence and ensure their values aren’t sidelined in a party forging its identity anew.
MKP structures itself around a National High Command, designed to reflect South Africa’s diversity and traditions. The Secretary‑General role is central to this system—a bridge between Zuma’s leadership and regional voices. (mkparty.org.za)
The question now is simple yet critical: Will Zuma listen to the amakhosi—or will the MKP risk fragmentation ahead of pivotal local government elections and its nascent future?
Comment Section / Poll
Should traditional leaders have the right to nominate or select the Secretary‑General in MKP?
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Absolutely—they should
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No—leadership should be merit-based
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A mix: balance tradition with competence
Vote or leave your thoughts below.
Read also: Sergeant Vuyiswa Nduna’s Disappearance in Bloemfontein: What We Know
If you’re following South Africa’s new political currents and care about inclusive leadership, follow our blog and stay in the loop with real-time insights. Every voice—makhosi, urban voters, youth—deserves to be heard.
~BILLY JAYDEN LOUIS
Tags:
MKP leadership crisis, traditional leaders MK Party, Jacob Zuma MKP, Phumlani Mfeka SG MKP, Floyd Shivambu removal, uMkhonto weSizwe Party dynamics, amakhosi representation, South African politics 2025
Sources:
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Traditional leaders urge Zuma to appoint SG from their ranks (IOL – Willem Phungula) (The Citizen, The Star)
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MK Party SG reshuffle, Phumlani Mfeka front-runner (iReport South Africa) (ireportsouthafrica.co.za)
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Shivambu’s firing sparks unrest and warnings (Cape Argus & iReport) (Cape Argus)
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Zuma’s statement on MK Party structures, stability (IReport SA & Politicsweb) (politicsweb.co.za)
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MKP’s political rise and election results (Guardian, Reuters) (The Guardian, Reuters, Wikipedia)
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Internal MKP infighting and collapse warnings (The Africa Report, BizNews, IOL) (biznews.com)
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