The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has suspended the membership of its former spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, amid allegations that he sowed divisions within the party and brought the organisation into disrepute.

The suspension, announced on Tuesday night in a letter signed by MK Party National Chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko, comes barely a day after the party confirmed Ndhlela’s removal as spokesperson.

In the letter addressed to Ndhlela, the party said its president, Jacob Zuma, had taken the decision to suspend his membership with immediate effect pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

“This decision follows allegations of misconduct, sowing division and bringing the party into disrepute,” the letter read.

The party further instructed Ndhlela to refrain from representing the MK Party in any official capacity while investigations continue. He was also ordered not to access or operate any official party social media accounts, public media platforms, bank accounts or digital systems linked to the organisation.

According to the letter, Ndhlela must also return all party property, including documents, devices, membership cards, passwords and access credentials, to the Office of the Secretary-General within seven days.

The correspondence also stated that MK Party Chief Whip Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi had been informed about the suspension.

The latest developments mark a dramatic escalation in tensions within the fast-growing political party, which has faced increasing scrutiny over internal divisions and public disagreements among senior members.

On Monday, the MK Party announced that Ndhlela had been removed as the party’s national spokesperson and replaced by veteran journalist and former The Star editor-in-chief Sifiso Mahlangu.

According to SABC News, Ndhlela, however, has rejected accusations that he created divisions within the organisation. In a social media post following his suspension, he denied wrongdoing and dismissed claims that he had acted against the interests of the party.

His suspension has triggered intense debate on social media platform X, where supporters and critics of the MK Party weighed in on the latest leadership shake-up.

One social media user wrote: “Jacob Zuma strips Nhlamulo Ndhlela of any association with MK Party. He is no longer a member of MKP. His membership has been suspended. Duduzile has been instructed to stop stoking fires on the side in defiance of Zuma’s decision. She too will be suspended, if not careful.”

Another user praised Zuma’s leadership style, writing: “That’s why Zuma achieved what other presidents can never achieve. He didn’t play. They hated him but he delivered. You shape up or ship out.”

Political analysts say the suspension signals an attempt by the MK Party leadership to tighten internal discipline and reassert control over public messaging ahead of future political battles.

One political analyst, Mpumelelo Phungula, said the move appeared aimed at consolidating authority around Zuma and preventing factional disputes from spilling further into the public domain.

“The MK Party has rapidly grown into a major political force, but with that growth comes internal contestation over influence, messaging and leadership positioning. Suspending a senior figure like Ndhlela sends a strong message that dissent or perceived disloyalty will not be tolerated,” the analyst said.

Phungula added that the developments could have broader implications for unity within the party, particularly as the organisation continues to attract influential figures from different political backgrounds.

The MK Party, founded ahead of the 2024 general elections, has emerged as one of the most disruptive forces in South African politics under Zuma’s leadership. However, the organisation has also been dogged by recurring reports of infighting, disciplinary disputes and tensions among senior members.

Ndhlela’s suspension now adds to growing questions about stability within the party’s upper structures and whether further disciplinary action could follow against other prominent figures linked to internal disagreements.

The appointment of Mahlangu as the MK Party’s new spokesperson forms part of a wider leadership shake up announced by the party this week amid growing signs of internal tensions within its structures.

Mahlangu officially replaced Ndhlela following the party’s decision to remove him from the position on Monday. His appointment was viewed by some political observers as an attempt by the party to stabilise its communications machinery and restore discipline within its ranks.

Despite his suspension, Ndhlela publicly welcomed Mahlangu’s appointment in a post on X, suggesting there was no personal animosity between the two.

“Congratulations and welcome to you my Brother, you were there from the beginning in 2023, and as per our call last night we reflected on the role you played when MK PARTY was announced. There couldn’t have been a better person to take over this responsibility than you,” Ndhlela wrote.

However, the dramatic sequence of events from Ndhlela’s removal as spokesperson to his suspension less than 24 hours later has intensified speculation about deepening divisions within the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. The developments have also fuelled debate over internal power struggles and efforts by the leadership aligned to Zuma to consolidate control over the party’s messaging and structures.

The MK Party has not indicated when the investigation into Ndhlela will be concluded.