Former president Jacob Zuma has appointed his son, Duduzane Zuma, as the first deputy president of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in a dramatic leadership reshuffle announced on Tuesday evening.
The announcement, made shortly before 7 pm, forms part of a sweeping reconfiguration of the party’s leadership and organisational structures ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Duduzane Zuma replaces Dr John Hlophe, who has been relieved of his responsibilities as the party’s first deputy president with immediate effect. Hlophe, however, will remain the MK Party’s parliamentary leader in the National Assembly.
The appointments were announced by Jacob Zuma in his capacity as president of the MK Party through a statement issued by party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu.
The elevation of Duduzane Zuma places the former president’s son directly beneath his father in the party’s hierarchy, making him second in command of one of South Africa’s largest opposition parties.
In the statement, Jacob Zuma thanked Hlophe for his service to the organisation.
“The President hereby relieves Dr John Hlophe of his responsibilities as First Deputy President of the MK Party with immediate effect. President Zuma extends his sincere gratitude to Dr Hlophe for his leadership, dedication and invaluable contribution to the growth and strengthening of the MK Party and wishes him well in his continued service to the organisation.”
The statement added that Hlophe would continue serving as the party’s parliamentary leader.
“The President further confirms that Dr John Hlophe shall remain the Parliamentary Leader of the MK Party in the National Assembly and will continue to carry out his responsibilities in that capacity.”
The changes extended beyond Hlophe’s removal.
Former Cabinet minister Nkosinathi Nhleko was relieved of his responsibilities as national chairperson with immediate effect.
Jacob Zuma thanked Nhleko for his contribution to building the party and wished him well in his future endeavours.
Reverend Phakathi was immediately appointed as the MK Party’s new national chairperson.
The party also confirmed Tony Yengeni as its second deputy president, while Duduzane Zuma takes up the newly strengthened role as first deputy president.
Another significant appointment saw Willis Mchunu joining the party’s presidency collective.
According to the statement, Mchunu will provide strategic advice, organisational guidance and support on matters requiring presidential oversight while continuing to serve as the MK Party’s provincial leader in KwaZulu-Natal.
The party also announced changes to its administrative leadership.
Nomsa Dlamini was removed as deputy secretary general and replaced by Lindiwe Mtshali with immediate effect.
Jacob Zuma also ordered the secretary general and treasurer general to return to work and resume their full responsibilities immediately.
As a result, the moratorium that had been placed on the party’s finances, secretariat and communications has been lifted.
The statement said all constitutional and administrative functions of those offices would resume without delay.
The reshuffle also included the dissolution of the Strategic Presidential Team with immediate effect.
Jacob Zuma declared that the structure “ceases to exist in any capacity within the organisational structures of the MK Party.”
The statement further warned that any commitments, contracts, obligations or financial liabilities entered into by members of the dissolved Strategic Presidential Team would not become the responsibility of the MK Party.
“The Party will not assume responsibility for any debts or financial obligations incurred without the Party’s duly authorised approval,” the statement said.
In place of the dissolved structure, Jacob Zuma reinstated the Presidential Task Team with immediate effect.
The statement confirmed that Zandile “Zandi” Hlophe and Sibonelo Maphumulo, as members of the Presidential Task Team, would serve as the MK Party’s authorised representatives and signatories with the Independent Electoral Commission.
They will handle all statutory and electoral matters requiring the party’s representation before the electoral body.
Jacob Zuma also announced that he would personally exercise political oversight over the organisation, including its finances, secretariat and all key organisational functions.
According to the statement, he will have the authority to provide strategic direction, ensure accountability and oversee the effective functioning of all party structures and departments.
The announcement also addressed recent media reports concerning allegations linked to a forensic report involving the party.
Jacob Zuma said the MK Party had neither received nor seen any such report.
“The President wishes to place it on record that the Party has not been furnished with, nor has it had sight of, any such forensic report.”
He said he had instructed that the matter be formally brought before him and that the report, together with all supporting documentation, be submitted for his consideration.
The statement added that no determinations would be made until the contents of the report and all relevant information had been reviewed.
“The Party remains committed to transparency, accountability and due process in dealing with all organisational matters,” it said.
Jacob Zuma also reaffirmed his confidence in Sifiso Mahlangu, stating that he remains the MK Party’s duly appointed national spokesperson and the organisation’s sole authorised spokesperson.
The party president concluded by calling on members, leaders and structures of the MK Party to unite behind the leadership changes and continue building what he described as “a disciplined, united and effective organisation in the service of the people of South Africa.”
Tuesday night’s reshuffle marks one of the most significant leadership changes since the MK Party entered Parliament following the 2024 general election. The appointment of Duduzane Zuma as first deputy president is likely to fuel political debate over the future leadership of the party and further consolidate the Zuma family’s influence within the organisation.
