MK Party expels MPs Pumlani Kubukeli and Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has expelled Members of Parliament Pumlani Kubukeli and Dr Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala from the party with immediate effect.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party said the decision followed a series of acts and conduct attributed to the two members which, according to its leadership, were detrimental to the organisation’s good name, reputation, integrity and interests.

The party further accused the two members of undermining organisational unity and discipline.

The expulsions were made under Section 7(2)(h) of the MK Party constitution, which the party says gives its president executive authority to establish, restructure, appoint or remove organisational structures or deployees in the interests of the party and its strategic direction.

Following the termination of their membership, MK Party Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo wrote to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to formally communicate the decision and initiate the process for their removal from Parliament.

The party said the move forms part of its commitment to organisational unity, discipline and integrity, adding that all members and structures are expected to operate in accordance with the party’s constitution.

Litchfield-Tshabalala has since disputed the circumstances surrounding her expulsion, saying she was not informed of the reasons for her removal and that she could not recall any conduct on her part that had harmed the party’s reputation.

The MK Party wished both Kubukeli and Litchfield-Tshabalala well in their future endeavours.