The MK Party says reports that Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Willies Mchunu have been removed from their provincial roles are false.
Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has rejected claims that Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane has been removed as provincial chairperson in Mpumalanga and that Willies Mchunu has been replaced as provincial convenor in KwaZulu-Natal.
The response follows reports that former president Jacob Zuma’s party had restructured its leadership in preparation for the anticipated 2026 local government elections.
However, MK Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela dismissed the claims.
“The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) categorically dismisses as false and misleading the claims contained in a News24 article alleging the removal of leadership and the collapse of provincial structures in both Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal,” Ndhlela said.
“No formal structures of the MK Party in KwaZulu-Natal have been dissolved or collapsed; this has only taken effect in Mpumalanga.”
He confirmed that Mchunu remains the provincial convenor in KwaZulu-Natal.
“These assertions are devoid of truth and serve only to create confusion and misrepresent the organisational integrity of the party.
“At the party’s most recent media briefing, the MK Party clearly communicated the introduction of a national, provincial and regional elections machinery.”
Ndhlela said the process forms part of a structured organisational refinement aimed at strengthening internal coordination and improving political management, with the goal of mobilising South Africans to vote for the MK Party in the upcoming local government elections.
“The MK Party calls on members of the media to uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism by ensuring that reporting is grounded in verified facts rather than speculation or unsubstantiated claims.
“Responsible journalism plays a critical role in safeguarding public trust and democratic discourse,” he added.
Meanwhile, two weeks ago, IOL News previously reported that the MK Party will host its national policy conference in June as part of its preparations for the 2026 local government elections and as a step towards contesting national and provincial government in 2029.
Party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo said the conference will provide a clear policy framework to guide public representatives, strengthen ideological unity and prepare the party for key electoral contests.
Nomvalo said the party is focused on building stronger institutional, political and accountability systems amid rapid growth.
“For a political party that is growing at such a pace, the internal institutional challenges identified are generally to be expected.
“The roadmap we are presenting outlines specific steps and interventions to address these challenges,” he said.
He added that the immediate priority is consolidating organisational discipline, unity and functionality at all levels.
The party will strengthen legal and dispute-resolution mechanisms to address internal grievances and ensure compliance with organisational processes.
Nomvalo said the MK Party will also conduct a nationwide consultative process to engage members across branches, sub-branches and regions.
“This process will ensure that the voices of our members are heard and that solutions are informed by the lived realities in our branches and communities,” he said.
Centralised coordination will be reinforced through the office of the secretary-general, with clear reporting and accountability systems.
“The MK Party must operate as a united, disciplined and mission-driven movement, especially as we prepare for the 2026 local government elections,” he added.
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