Durban – The Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe Party has removed its national spokesperson and MP, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, with immediate effect following controversy over a statement about the newly formed MK Institute.
The party replaced him with former The Star editor Sifiso Mahlangu.
The shake-up came after Ndhlela announced that the MK Institute would take full control of the party’s political management and leadership structures.
[WATCH] MK Party Spokesperson, Cde Nhlamulo Ndhlela along with Cde Oupa Mathebula, elaborate on the establishment of the Mk Party Institute, and respond on the walk-out of Parliament. pic.twitter.com/7yt9uIoyJm
— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) May 16, 2026
However, the party rejected the claims as unconstitutional and said they did not reflect the party leadership’s decisions.
STATEMENT BY NATIONAL OFFICIALS OF UMKHONTO WESIZWE PARTY REGARDING PRONOUNCEMENTS BY THE MK INSTITUTE ON 16 MAY 2026 pic.twitter.com/GEdXbU1dSd
— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) May 18, 2026
The MK Institute, led by Deputy President Mandlakayise Hlophe and other senior members, was intended to focus on governance, leadership development and ideological education.
The party said the institute would now be integrated into the party’s broader policy-making structures and report directly to his office.
While thanking Ndhlela for helping build the party’s public profile, the party confirmed his removal as spokesperson both in the party and Parliament.
BREAKING NEWS | Sifiso Mahlangu has been appointed as the MK Party’s new spokesperson, replacing Nhlamulo Ndhlela. pic.twitter.com/KFfio62q3s
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 18, 2026
Mahlangu was introduced as an experienced journalist and media personality expected to strengthen the party’s communications amid growing internal tensions.
Today, MK Party officials, led by H.E. President Jacob Zuma, held a press briefing at the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga to officially announce the appointment of Sifiso Mahlangu as the party’s new National Spokesperson. pic.twitter.com/S6vdirOauE
— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) May 18, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
