Former MK Party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo has accused a political cartel involving former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede, the party's eThekwini mayoral candidate Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi, and Lindelani Mbambo of undermining him. In a letter dated 26 October, Nomvalo alleged that this cartel had been planning his removal since he expelled Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela Lunga Mzangwe from the party.
Nomvalo's accusations come after his dismissal from the party amid concerns about the selection of councillor candidates, internal factionalism, and delays in campaign materials. He believes the allegations that led to his dismissal were untrue, malicious, and fabricated to agitate party president Jacob Zuma into making drastic decisions. Nomvalo also claimed that Mbambo's actions were motivated by his alleged involvement in the political cartel.
According to Nomvalo, the political cartel had been spreading propaganda against him, alleging that he was attempting to destroy party members. He said they used fake intelligence reports to settle political scores. Nomvalo also accused the cartel of introducing external elements of factionalism into the party, with the ultimate goal of controlling deployments in local municipalities.
Nomvalo described the allegations concerning the councillor selection process as malicious and baseless. He said that, far from undermining the organisation, he had protected it against the manipulation of processes. After learning that some party members were allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for proportional representation councillor positions, he instructed regions to submit only one PR candidate name for each municipality.
The instruction was intended to give regions, provinces, and the national leadership an opportunity to organise themselves properly and compile PR lists in a conducive environment. Nomvalo said he never attended ward meetings or was involved in capturing names on the IEC system. His role was to ensure that the party was ready at all levels and that all relevant structures had been involved in the deployment process.
Nomvalo expressed concern about the direction the party was taking, alleging that attempts to undermine Zuma's intellectual capacity by submitting false reports to him were widespread. He claimed that Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi was a key figure in these attempts, often bringing coached individuals to lie about other party members. Nomvalo wants to discuss these issues with Zuma, citing that he has more to say if they eventually meet.
Nomvalo's allegations add to the internal tensions within the MK Party, which has been plagued by factionalism and controversy. His claims of a political cartel plotting against him raise questions about the party's leadership and internal dynamics. The party's future direction and stability remain uncertain amid these developments.
Key points
- Nomvalo accuses Zandile Gumede, Mxolisi Phakathi, and Lindelani Mbambo of plotting his removal from the MK Party.
- He claims that the allegations against him were fabricated and malicious.
- Nomvalo expresses concern about the party's direction, citing attempts to undermine Zuma's intellectual capacity.
