Jacob Zuma, leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), has removed two senior party leaders from their positions with immediate effect. In a letter dated June 28, 2024, Zuma announced the dismissal of the party’s secretary-general Arthur Zwane and treasury-general Danisa Zulu.

Zwane had only recently assumed the role of secretary-general two weeks prior, taking over from Sihle Ngubane, who had been deployed to Parliament as the party’s chief whip.

In his letter, Zuma expressed his appreciation for the work done by Zwane:

“This serves to express my heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding and priceless revolutionary work you have done for the MKP. Owing to the need of using our limited and available human capital efficiently, I have decided to relinquish you from the Secretary General functions with immediate effect. I will soon engage you regarding a new role you can play in a dynamic organization as MKP. You are expected to hand over to the newly incumbent in the office.”

In another letter dated July 1, Zwane announced his resignation from his role, citing the workload as the reason. He stated that the volume of work was interfering with his other business interests.

“Dear Cde President Jacob Zuma, I hereby wish to tender my resignation as Secretary General of uMkhonto weSizwe Party with immediate effect. In the last two weeks, I have realised that the volume of work in my office is huge and beyond my limits, especially because I have other competing business interests that I’m pursuing. I am humbled by the confidence you had in me, starting from DSG and later SG. I’ll be available to hand over to the newly appointed SG at any determined time. I will also be available to help with other organisational matters you want me to help with, however not on a full-time basis,” he said.

Despite his resignation, Zwane remains a member of the party and is available to guide the new leadership.

To fill the vacancies, the MKP has appointed Dr. Sifiso Maseko as the new secretary-general and Menzi Magubane as the new treasury-general, replacing Danisa Zulu.

Meanwhile, Jacob Zuma is scheduled to attend an ANC disciplinary hearing on July 17. His ANC membership was suspended in January after he publicly declared his intention to vote for and support the MKP in the May 29 elections. The disciplinary hearing, initially postponed until after the elections, will now take place virtually. Zuma is accused of violating Rule 25 of the ANC’s constitution by showing support for another political party.

Zuma’s actions and the subsequent restructuring of the MKP leadership come at a critical time as the party navigates its internal dynamics and broader political challenges.