By JOHANNESBURG — In a swift and decisive assertion of party discipline, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has officially expelled senior members Mr. Pumlani Kubukeli and Dr. Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala with immediate effect.
The announcement was confirmed in an official media statement released on 27 August 2026 by the Office of the President. According to party leadership, the high-profile terminations follow a series of actions deemed detrimental to the organisation’s standing and strategic cohesion.
Detrimental Conduct Alleged
The party stated that the decisions stem from conduct that violated core standards of discipline and internal cohesion.
“The decision follows a series of acts and conduct attributed to the two members which, in the determination of the Party leadership, have been detrimental to the good name, reputation, integrity and interests of the organisation, and have undermined the unity and organisational discipline of the Party,” the statement reads.
Invoking Executive Powers
The expulsions were executed directly under constitutional powers granted to the party’s executive presidency. The Office of the President cited Section 7(2)(h) of the MK Party’s Constitution, which empowers the President to establish, restructure, appoint, or remove organisational structures and deployees to safeguard the party’s strategic direction.
Consequently, both Kubukeli and Litchfield-Tshabalala have had their memberships terminated with immediate effect.
Removal from the National Assembly
Beyond internal party discipline, the moves will directly impact the composition of Parliament. The MK Party confirmed that its Secretary-General has formally written to the Speaker of the National Assembly to communicate the decision. This officially initiates the statutory process to recall and replace both figures from their seats in the National Assembly.
Focus on Organisational Unity
Reinforcing the party’s stance on internal order, the MK Party emphasized that strict adherence to its constitution remains mandatory for all members and leadership structures.
“The Party reiterates its commitment to organisational unity, discipline and integrity. All members and structures are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Party Constitution in the interests of unity and comradeship,” the statement reiterated.
Concluding the official notice on a brief diplomatic note, the Office of the President stated that it wishes Mr. Kubukeli and Dr. Litchfield-Tshabalala well in their future endeavours.
