The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has axed its Secretary-General, Sibonelo Nomvalo, less than two weeks before the local government elections, citing concerns over councillor selection, alleged internal factionalism and other organisational matters.
Nomvalo, who was appointed secretary-general in March, is the seventh person to hold the position since the party was established in 2023.
The party announced his removal in a statement issued by the Office of the President on Thursday, October 22, saying the changes took immediate effect, subject to the party’s constitution and applicable internal procedures.
According to the MK Party, the decision followed concerns relating to the councillor selection process, internal factionalism, matters concerning dual remuneration and delays in campaign materials.
The party also alleged that changes within its parliamentary caucus and parliamentary administration had reportedly not been communicated to the president, national officials and the Presidency Collective.
The establishment of high-level deployment committees without the knowledge of relevant party leadership structures was another concern cited by the party.
The MK Party said these matters had raised questions about organisational coordination, internal communication, accountability and adherence to established procedures.
However, the statement did not provide details of the specific incidents behind the allegations or include Nomvalo’s response.
The party acknowledged Nomvalo’s contribution to the organisation and wished him well in his future endeavours and responsibilities. It also requested that he cooperate with the relevant structures to ensure a smooth handover of his duties.
Following his removal, the party appointed Lindiwe Mtshali as acting secretary-general.
Mtshali will work in consultation with national chairperson Mxolisi Phakathi to oversee the coordination, administration and organisational affairs of the party during the interim arrangement.
The party also announced that its national spokesperson, Sifiso Mahlangu, would assume additional responsibilities associated with the office of the deputy secretary-general, sharing these functions with Mtshali.
Mahlangu will retain his position as national spokesperson while taking on the additional duties.
The party said the interim arrangement was intended to maintain organisational continuity, strengthen coordination and accountability, and ensure the effective implementation of decisions taken by its authorised leadership structures.
The leadership changes come as the party prepares for the local government elections, with the timing placing renewed attention on its internal organisation and campaign administration.
The MK Party called on its national, provincial, regional and branch structures to take note of the changes and cooperate with the officials assuming the responsibilities.
It further instructed its structures to ensure that administrative processes, official communication and reporting arrangements complied with the party’s constitution, applicable resolutions and established procedures.
In its statement, the party reiterated its commitment to unity, discipline, collective leadership and accountability, urging members to respect organisational processes and avoid unnecessary divisions.
It also called on members to place the interests of the organisation above individual considerations.
The statement did not indicate whether Nomvalo’s removal would be followed by further disciplinary or investigative processes.
The party concluded by reaffirming its commitment to strengthening its structures and ensuring the effective functioning of its leadership and administration.
“The party comes first. Unity, discipline and accountability remain our collective responsibility,” the statement said.
