Revealed: The Reason Why MK Party Removes Sibonelo Nomvalo As Secretary-General Has Been Removed

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has relieved Sibonelo Nomvalo of his duties as secretary-general amid concerns over the selection of councillor candidates, internal factionalism and alleged administrative failures within the organisation.

The announcement, made on Thursday, 22 October 2026, marks another significant leadership change within the party led by former South African president Jacob Zuma, coming less than two weeks before the local government elections scheduled for 4 November.

According to the party, the decision followed several concerns regarding its internal administration, communication between leadership structures and compliance with established organisational procedures.

Among the issues highlighted were disagreements surrounding the councillor selection process, internal factionalism, matters relating to dual remuneration and delays in distributing campaign materials.

The party also raised concerns about changes within its parliamentary caucus and parliamentary administration that were reportedly made without informing Zuma, national officials and the presidency collective.

Additionally, the MK Party cited the establishment of high-level deployment committees without the knowledge of the relevant leadership structures.

In its statement, the party indicated that these matters had raised questions about organisational coordination, accountability, internal communication and adherence to established procedures.

The leadership change comes amid ongoing questions about the party’s internal processes, particularly the selection of candidates for the upcoming municipal elections.

Reports have previously highlighted complaints from some party members concerning councillor candidate lists, with disgruntled members questioning why certain individuals nominated at community level were reportedly missing from the final lists submitted to the Electoral Commission of South Africa.

These developments have placed renewed attention on the party’s candidate selection procedures and the relationship between its provincial structures and national leadership.

Following Nomvalo’s removal, the MK Party announced that Deputy Secretary-General Lindiwe Mtshali would assume the position of acting secretary-general.

Mtshali is expected to work alongside National Chairperson Mxolisi Phakathi to ensure continuity in the party’s administration, organisational coordination and internal operations.

Meanwhile, national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu will take on additional responsibilities associated with the office of the deputy secretary-general while retaining his position as spokesperson.

The interim arrangement is intended to maintain the smooth functioning of the party’s structures while strengthening coordination and accountability.

The party has also called on its national, provincial, regional and branch structures to cooperate with the newly appointed officials and respect the leadership changes.

Nomvalo’s departure adds to the series of changes involving the secretary-general position since the party was established in December 2023.

His appointment in March 2026 followed the removal of Bongani Mncwango, highlighting the repeated changes within one of the organisation’s key administrative offices.

Despite the latest development, the immediate focus will be on how the leadership transition affects the party’s preparations for the forthcoming local government elections.

The MK Party has emphasised unity, discipline and accountability, urging its members to place the interests of the organisation above individual considerations.

For now, Mtshali faces the task of overseeing the party’s administrative operations during a critical period, as the organisation prepares for the elections while addressing concerns surrounding internal coordination and candidate selection.

Source: https://x.com/TheCitizen_News/status/2113699477865263276