By JOHANNESBURG — In another high-profile shake-up within its executive ranks, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has relieved Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo of his duties, citing serious administrative lapses, unapproved structural decisions, and growing internal factionalism.
The decision, made effective October 22, 2026, was formally announced via an official statement issued by the Office of the President.
Multiple Grievances Fuel Sudden Dismissal
According to the official statement signed by the party’s leadership, Nomvalo’s removal follows a catalogue of severe organizational concerns. Chief among these were irregularities regarding the councillor selection process, un-communicated structural changes within the parliamentary caucus, and allegations surrounding dual remuneration.
The party further accused Nomvalo of making crucial organizational decisions behind the back of Party President Jacob Zuma and the central leadership.
“Comrade Nomvalo has been relieved of his duties… following concerns relating to the councillor selection process, internal factionalism, matters concerning dual remuneration, delays in campaign materials, changes within the parliamentary caucus and parliamentary administration that were reportedly not communicated to the President, National Officials and the Presidency Collective, as well as the establishment of high-level deployment committees without the knowledge of the relevant Party leadership structures,” the statement reads.
The leadership emphasized that these infractions compromised organizational coordination, internal communication, accountability, and strict adherence to established governance protocols.
Leadership Restructuring: Mtshali and Mahlangu Step Up
To fill the vacuum left by Nomvalo’s departure and maintain operational stability, the party has appointed Deputy Secretary-General Lindiwe Mtshali to serve as Acting Secretary-General. Mtshali will lead the administration in close consultation with National Chairperson Rev. Mxolisi Phakathi.
Simultaneously, National Spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu has been tasked with taking on additional responsibilities within the office of the Deputy Secretary-General, sharing administrative duties with Mtshali while continuing his role as the party’s official mouthpiece.
| Role | Incoming / Acting Leader | Former / Outgoing Leader |
| Secretary-General | Lindiwe Mtshali (Acting) | Sibonelo Nomvalo |
| Deputy Secretary-General | Lindiwe Mtshali / Sifiso Mahlangu (Shared duties) | Lindiwe Mtshali |
| National Spokesperson | Sifiso Mahlangu | Sifiso Mahlangu |
| National Chairperson | Rev. Mxolisi Phakathi | Rev. Mxolisi Phakathi |
Despite his removal from top party management, Nomvalo has been requested to fully cooperate with leadership structures during the transition to ensure an orderly handover of administrative functions.
Ongoing Instability in Top Administrative Ranks
Nomvalo’s dismissal underscores the continuing volatility inside the MK Party’s administrative engine. Nomvalo marks the eighth Secretary-General to be removed or replaced since the party’s formation.
The party leadership, however, framed the latest purge as a necessary step toward enforcing internal discipline and preserving party unity ahead of political engagements.
“The Party reiterates its commitment to unity, discipline, collective leadership and accountability. All comrades are called upon to respect organisational processes, avoid unnecessary divisions and place the interests of the organisation above individual considerations,” the leadership stated.
All national, regional, and branch structures across the country have been directed to comply with the interim arrangements and adhere strictly to official reporting channels.
