Ex-ANC stalwart Tony Yengeni joins Zuma’s MK Party leadership

Cape Town – Former ANC NEC member Tony Yengeni has officially joined Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party as its second Deputy President — a move that marks his full departure from the ANC after years of internal friction.

Announcing the appointment at a media briefing in Durban, Zuma described Yengeni as “a serious lawyer who speaks for the people,” saying his experience will strengthen the party’s leadership.

[WATCH] The Umkhonto weSizwe Party president Jacob Zuma is briefing the media on the party’s latest developments. He also announced that Tony Yengeni has joined MKP pic.twitter.com/ElqKmfrNVr

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 23, 2025

Zuma explained that while Deputy President John Hlophe will focus on parliamentary matters, Yengeni will help manage the party’s overall affairs.

Yengeni, a former ANC chief whip in Parliament who was convicted of fraud in 2003, joins Hlophe as part of the MK Party’s top leadership.

His defection follows a strained relationship with the ANC, where Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula had previously threatened disciplinary action against him.

WATCH] MK Party Tony Yengeni says the problems of this country are primarily due to leadership, adding that many leaders love themselves more than they love their people or the country. He, however, says Jacob Zuma is different. pic.twitter.com/CfB0Lak1PM

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 23, 2025