Duduzane Zuma appointed MK Party first deputy president in major leadership shake-up

Former president Jacob Zuma has appointed his son, Duduzane Zuma, as the first deputy president of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in a wide-ranging leadership reshuffle aimed at strengthening the organisation ahead of future political battles.

The announcement, made by Zuma in his capacity as president of the MK Party, forms part of a broader organisational reconfiguration that includes the removal of several senior leaders and the appointment of new office bearers.

Duduzane Zuma takes over the influential position with immediate effect after Dr John Hlophe was relieved of his duties as the party's first deputy president.

Despite his removal from the deputy presidency, Hlophe will remain the MK Party's parliamentary leader in the National Assembly.

In another significant change, Nkosinathi Nhleko was removed as the party's national chairperson and replaced by Rev. Phakathi.

Nomsa Dlamini was also relieved of her duties as deputy secretary-general, with Lindiwe Mtshali appointed to the position.

Jacob Zuma confirmed that Tony Yengeni will continue serving as the party's second deputy president, while Willis Mchunu has been appointed to the party's Presidency collective, where he will provide strategic guidance while retaining his role as the MK Party's KwaZulu-Natal provincial leader.

The party also announced the immediate dissolution of its Strategic Presidential Team, saying the structure would cease to exist within the organisation.

The MK Party further stated that it would not accept responsibility for any financial commitments, contracts or liabilities entered into by members of the dissolved team without proper authorisation.

At the same time, Zuma reinstated the Presidential Task Team (PTT), which will resume its responsibilities under his direction.

The party confirmed that Zandile Hlophe and Sibonelo Maphumulo, both members of the Presidential Task Team, remain its authorised representatives and signatories with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

Zuma also instructed the secretary-general and treasurer-general to immediately resume their full responsibilities, lifting the moratorium previously placed on matters relating to the party's finances, secretariat and communications.

The MK Party president said he would personally exercise political oversight over the organisation, including its finances, administrative structures and key operational functions to ensure accountability and effective governance.

Addressing reports of an alleged forensic report relating to the party, Zuma said the MK Party had neither received nor seen such a document.

He said he had instructed that the report, together with all supporting documentation, be submitted to him before any decisions could be taken, stressing that the party remained committed to transparency, accountability and due process.

Zuma also reaffirmed his confidence in Sifiso Mahlangu as the party's national spokesperson, stating that Mahlangu remains the MK Party's sole authorised spokesperson.

Calling for unity, Zuma urged party leaders, members and structures to rally behind the new leadership and work together to build a disciplined and effective organisation in service of South Africans.