Nhlamulo Ndhlela and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla to Challenge MK Party Expulsions in Court

Expelled uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party figures Nhlamulo Ndhlela and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla addressed a media briefing at a venue in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Sunday, June 21, 2026, rejecting their expulsions and announcing plans to challenge the decision in court.

Speaking to journalists, Ndhlela stated that he and Zuma-Sambudla have instructed their legal team to approach the High Court to overturn the party’s decision, calling the process unlawful. Ndhlela alleged that the MK Party leadership failed to conduct any formal disciplinary hearings or internal processes prior to announcing the terminations on Thursday. He denied all allegations of sowing division or acting without organizational authority, describing the charges as unfounded. Ndhlela also disputed the party’s statement regarding Zuma-Sambudla, asserting that she had not been expelled but had instead resigned from the organization voluntarily.

Ndhlela addressed the party’s accusations regarding their involvement in the medical transfer of the late Member of Parliament, Muzi Ntshingila, stating that the party leadership was using the death of their colleague as a weapon to justify a political purge. He asserted that their actions during Ntshingila’s illness were driven by personal friendship and care, rather than unauthorized political maneuvering.

During the briefing, both Ndhlela and Zuma-Sambudla directed criticism at the current administrative leadership surrounding party president Jacob Zuma. Zuma-Sambudla stated that she accepts no responsibility for the fallout and explicitly absolved her father of blame, instead pointing to the officials surrounding him and stating that the MK Party has lacked competent secretariats-general to date. Ndhlela alleged that senior party officials lack the necessary competence and ground-level experience to run the organization, claiming the expulsions are part of an attempt by a few individuals to hijack the liberation movement.

Despite the legal challenge and public dispute with the current leadership, Ndhlela affirmed that neither he nor Zuma-Sambudla intend to abandon the movement, stating that they are staying with the MK Party.