The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has reiterated that its constitution applies equally to all members, with Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo confirming that disciplinary measures will follow any violation of party principles.
The clarification came in the wake of chief whip Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi’s suspension following her arrest on fraud-related charges. Nomvalo outlined that the MKP’s disciplinary framework requires adherence to both substantive and procedural fairness. Members facing allegations must first receive formal notice before entering a structured disciplinary process, with final determinations based on the proceedings’ outcomes.
In Mokoena-Zondi’s case, the party initially removed her from the chief whip role in the National Assembly while retaining her parliamentary seat. After further constitutional breaches were reported to leadership, the national officials meeting resolved to suspend her party membership entirely pending the conclusion of internal disciplinary processes.
Nomvalo confirmed that for significant matters, the MKP engages external legal professionals to serve as prosecutor and presiding officer, ensuring impartiality in disciplinary proceedings.
The Secretary-General also addressed questions regarding Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, confirming she holds no elected or appointed national leadership position within the organization and remains an ordinary party member. This follows an instruction from party President Jacob Zuma to relieve her of all organizational responsibilities. Nomvalo emphasized that Zuma has consistently characterized the MKP as “a party of the people for the people of South Africa,” explicitly rejecting portrayals of the organization as a family enterprise. He noted that party structures routinely exercise independent decision-making authority, sometimes without direct presidential consultation, underscoring the institution’s collective governance approach.
On domestic matters, Nomvalo addressed the party’s stance regarding protests targeting undocumented migrants. He stated that the MKP supports efforts to address illegal immigration, noting that individuals entering South Africa without proper documentation have violated national law. He cited concerns about crime levels in townships and urban areas, alleging that certain neighborhoods have become difficult for South African residents to access due to criminal activity associated with undocumented individuals. Nomvalo added that foreign nationals residing in the country legitimately should register with Home Affairs to maintain traceability, and that public support should favor those working to combat criminality rather than those who circumvent immigration laws. He clarified that while protest organizers may lawfully demonstrate, maintaining public order during such events falls under police jurisdiction.
The party has invited the March and March movement to join its upcoming demonstration scheduled for June 10, focused on service delivery and anti-corruption advocacy. Nomvalo referenced findings by party representatives in parliament regarding matters involving Tim Sculpa as additional motivation for the march.
Regarding international affairs, the MKP endorsed Iran’s call for peace in Gaza and urged Israel to cease military hostilities. Nomvalo also advocated for conflict resolution in Sudan and Cabo Delgado in northern Mozambique, calling on the African Union peace mission to prioritize stabilization efforts in the Mozambican region.
When questioned about the absence of Western Sahara from recent party statements, Nomvalo reiterated the MKP’s preference for diplomatic conflict resolution and opposition to externally sponsored hostilities. He referenced the party’s support for Palestine, including South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice, while stressing the importance of broader international mobilization against injustice. Nomvalo described President Zuma’s recent engagement in Morocco as part of ongoing diplomatic peace efforts, emphasizing that meaningful dialogue requires engagement with all stakeholders involved in a conflict, regardless of perceived affiliations.