The former Deputy City Manager of eThekwini Municipality and a former confidant of former eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede, has dumped the ANC and joined the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP).

Phillip Sithole, who first gained prominence by turning Durban Tourism around and moulding it into a force to be reckoned with and later as the Deputy City Manager for Economic Development and Planning, joined the Jacob Zuma-led party today.

Sithole left the city three years ago when his contract expired, and it was not extended by the current administration amid allegations of a fallout between him and City Manager Musa Mbhele.

He confirmed to the African Times on Thursday evening that indeed he has left the ANC after being its member and staunch supporter for years.

He said his membership expired in 2017, and he did not renew it, but he continued to support it until the emergence of the MK Party in December 2023.

“Yes, I’m a member of MKP,” Sithole said when the African Times reached out to him for an official comment.