Jacob Zuma, president of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party since April 2024, dissolved the MK Party’s Presidential Task Team and installed a new Strategic Presidential Team as the party’s highest decision-making body in July 2026, placing party finances and key appointments under his direct control. Zuma appointed his son, Duduzane Zuma, as the first deputy president on 10 August 2026, and revoked all other officials’ signing authority over the party’s bank accounts, according to announcements from the party leadership and verified media reports.

Leadership Changes And Zuma’s Centralised Control

Zuma’s decisions follow a period of rapid leadership turnover within the MK Party, with top roles shifting repeatedly since its formation. On 28 July 2026, he dissolved the existing Presidential Task Team, replacing it with a Strategic Presidential Team reporting directly to him, according to an official party statement reported by IOL.

During these changes, Zuma made clear his personal approach to appointments, saying, “I wanted to do this alone and [be able to] say ‘you and you and you’, based on my knowledge of them…” as quoted by Daily Maverick. The MK Party constitution also grants him broad executive powers, stating, “The president shall have the ultimate power to issue presidential decrees on any matter pertaining to operations, administration and policy direction of the party…”

Implications For Party Direction Ahead Of 2026 Elections

Placing its finances under Zuma’s sole control and elevating his son Duduzane has cemented a leadership structure focused on family trust and personal authority. These moves come less than two years after Zuma took formal control in April 2024, shortly before the national elections.

Analysts and political observers note that the frequent restructuring and centralisation reflect Zuma’s intent to maintain stability and cohesion on his terms, even as some within the party have questioned internal democracy and accountability, according to coverage by The Citizen and other outlets.

The party is expected to announce further policy and organisational changes in the lead-up to the 2026 national elections, with Zuma’s Strategic Presidential Team directing its strategy and operations.