Jacob Zuma appoints son Duduzane as MK Party deputy president in major leadership shake-up

Duduzane Zuma

Durban – MK Party president Jacob Zuma has announced a sweeping leadership reshuffle, appointing his son Duduzane Zuma as the party’s First Deputy President, replacing Dr John Hlophe, who will remain the party’s parliamentary leader in the National Assembly.

The changes also include the removal of Nkosinathi Nhleko as national chairperson, with Rev. Mxolisi Phakathi taking over the role, while Tony Yengeni has been appointed Second Deputy President.

Nomsa Dlamini was replaced as deputy secretary-general by Lindiwe Mtshali, and Willis Mchunu joined the party’s presidency collective while remaining KwaZulu-Natal provincial leader.

Announcing the changes, MK Party national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said Zuma had relieved Nhleko of his responsibilities “with immediate effect”, adding: “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.”

On Hlophe’s removal as first deputy president, Mahlangu said: “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.”

Zuma also dissolved the party’s Strategic Presidential Team with immediate effect, warning that “any commitments, contracts, obligations or financial liabilities entered into by members of the dissolved strategic presidential team shall not be the responsibility of the MK Party.” He simultaneously reinstated the Presidential Task Team (PTT) and appointed Zandile Hlophe and Sibonelo Maphumulo as the party’s authorised representatives to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

The reshuffle also saw secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo and treasurer-general Brian Molefe instructed to resume their full duties after Zuma had previously placed the party’s finances under his personal control. While the moratorium on the party’s finances, secretariat and communications has now been lifted, Zuma confirmed he will continue to exercise political oversight of the organisation.

“The president further confirms that he shall exercise political oversight over the organisation, including oversight over the party’s finances, the secretariat and all key organisational functions,” Mahlangu said.

The spokesperson called on members to unite behind the changes, saying: “The president calls upon all members, leaders and structures of the MK Party to unite behind these decisions and continue working together to build a disciplined, united and effective organisation in the service of the people of South Africa.”

The reshuffle follows the recent expulsion of Duduzane’s twin sister, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, from the party and further consolidates the Zuma family’s influence within the MK Party leadership. Party officials have described the changes as part of a broader effort to strengthen the organisation ahead of future political campaigns.

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