The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has suspended the membership of its former national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, just a day after stripping him of his roles as party spokesperson and Member of Parliament.
The suspension was confirmed in a letter signed by MKP national chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko on Tuesday.
In the letter, Nhleko said party president Jacob Zuma had decided to suspend Ndhlela with immediate effect pending the outcome of an investigation.
“This letter serves to formally inform you that President Jacob Zuma has today taken the decision to suspend your membership of the party with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an investigation,” the letter stated.
The party had earlier announced Ndhlela’s removal during a media briefing led by Zuma and secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo.
According to the suspension letter, Ndhlela has been barred from representing the party in any official capacity while investigations continue. He was also instructed not to access or operate party social media platforms, public communication systems, bank accounts or digital platforms.
The MKP further ordered him to hand over all party property within seven days, including documents, devices, membership cards, passwords and access credentials.
The suspension notice was also forwarded to the party’s chief whip in Parliament, Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi.
A letter seen by IOL said the action against Ndhlela stems from allegations of misconduct, creating divisions within party structures and bringing the MK Party into disrepute.
Meanwhile, the party has appointed former The Star editor Sifiso Mahlangu as its new national spokesperson with immediate effect.
The MKP described Mahlangu as a seasoned journalist, respected academic and influential media figure who is expected to bolster the party’s communication strategy amid growing political pressure.
