Former MK Party official Sibonelo Nomvalo addressed a press conference at the Royal Majestic Hotel in Durban, South Africa, on Wednesday, accusing party leaders of betraying him with false accusations. Nomvalo, who was dismissed as Secretary-General of the MK Party on October 22, claimed that his ousting was a result of a smear campaign led by party leaders, including Pastor Mxolisi Phakathi and Zandile Gumede. He alleged that they presented false reports to the party's president, Jacob Zuma, to have him removed from his position.
According to Nomvalo, the reports against him included allegations of collaborating with former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, Floyd Shivambu, and ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa to undermine Zuma's leadership. He denied all the allegations, stating that he had never worked with Mkhize and did not even have his phone number. Nomvalo revealed that he had gathered bank statements, legal documents, and other evidence to disprove the claims before requesting a meeting with Zuma, Deputy President Tony Yengeni, and MK Party officials in KwaZulu-Natal.
Nomvalo also disputed allegations of using party funds to purchase livestock, stating that a photo of him with cattle was taken in 2023, before he became an MK Party official. He further denied claims of paying R20 million to the Birchwood Hotel to host a conference that never took place, presenting bank statements and an agreement with the hotel as evidence. Additionally, he accused Phakathi and Gumede of orchestrating the allegations against him after he instructed party structures to establish committees to recruit people into positions.
The former MK Party official claimed that some of the allegations against him were based on doctored images created using artificial intelligence, including one showing him receiving an envelope from Ramaphosa. He alleged that these images were presented to Zuma to support the claims against him. Nomvalo expressed frustration that he was not given the opportunity to present his side of the story to Zuma and accused Mbambo of blocking his attempts to meet with the party president.
Nomvalo's dismissal from the MK Party was announced on October 22, citing irregularities in the appointment of candidates for local government elections, the establishment of committees to recruit people into positions, and internal party conflicts. He, however, claimed that the real reason for his ousting was his refusal to participate in what he described as corrupt activities within the party. Nomvalo also revealed that he had discovered discrepancies in the party's finances, including the disappearance of at least R3 million from the party's account.
The MK Party took the decision to dismiss Nomvalo during a meeting, citing his alleged failure to follow party procedures and his involvement in activities that were deemed to be in conflict with the party's interests. The party's leadership has yet to respond to Nomvalo's allegations. The developments within the MK Party come at a time when the party is preparing for upcoming local government elections.
Nomvalo urged the party not to damage his reputation with false accusations, stating that while they could take away his party position, parliamentary seat, and membership, they should not destroy his dignity with lies. The matter has raised concerns within the party and among its supporters, with many calling for an investigation into the allegations made by Nomvalo.
Key points
- Nomvalo accuses MK Party leaders of plotting against him with false accusations.
- He denies allegations of collaborating with ANC leaders to undermine Jacob Zuma's leadership.
- The developments have raised concerns within the party and among its supporters.
