Sibonelo Nomvalo, the ousted secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, has spoken out about his sudden removal from the party. In a media briefing in Durban, Nomvalo alleged that his downfall was orchestrated by a rogue faction within the party, led by former ANC eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede and her supporters. He claimed that the group aimed to install their own mayors and municipal managers in various councils in KwaZulu-Natal to loot public funds.
Nomvalo's allegations come amid concerns about the MK party's dominance in several key municipalities, including eThekwini, the only metro in KwaZulu-Natal. The party is expected to perform well in the upcoming November 4 elections. Gumede is currently facing a fraud and corruption trial related to her alleged involvement in the multi-million rand Durban Solid Waste tender, where contracts were awarded to handpicked cronies and comrades during her tenure as eThekwini mayor.
According to Nomvalo, the same plots used to destroy some people in the ANC have found expression in the MK party. He warned MK party members that people who collapsed the eThekwini municipality are planning to commit another political heist. Nomvalo claimed that a political cartel led by Gumede, mayoral candidate Mxolisi Phakathi, and Lindelani Mbambo, the MK party's head of presidency, manufactured fake intelligence reports to compel former President Jacob Zuma to recall him.
Nomvalo also alleged that the cabal was manipulating Zuma, taking advantage of his advanced age and poor health. Zuma is not currently conducting any party duties due to health reasons. Nomvalo stated that a decision to sack him was engineered at Zimbali, a posh suburb on the north coast of the province. He claimed that numerous falsehoods were advanced to remove him from office, including allegations that he had been paid by President Cyril Ramaphosa to destroy the MK party from within.
Nomvalo revealed that he had anticipated his removal and had prepared himself for it. He claimed that fake intelligence reports submitted to President Zuma had been used to try to remove him from office on several occasions. One such report alleged that he was an agent of former ANC minister Zweli Mkhize. Nomvalo became emotional when discussing the impact of the party's shenanigans on his personal life, revealing that it had almost affected his marriage and caused his wife to suffer depression.
Nomvalo used the briefing to call on the party's rank and file to protect Zuma from scoundrels who are using his old age to manipulate him into endorsing rogue decisions. He also announced that while he remained a member of the MK party, he would soon launch his own foundation to give back to the poor. Nomvalo's allegations against Gumede and her supporters have sparked a fresh wave of controversy within the MK party.
The developments within the MK party come at a critical time, ahead of the November 4 elections. Nomvalo's claims of internal sabotage and manipulation have raised questions about the party's ability to govern effectively in key municipalities. As the party prepares for the elections, Nomvalo's warnings about the alleged plots to loot public funds and install loyalists in key positions have added to the uncertainty surrounding the party's future.
Key points
- Nomvalo alleges that a rogue faction within the MK party, led by Zandile Gumede, orchestrated his removal to loot public funds and install loyalists in key positions.
- The MK party is expected to dominate several key municipalities, including eThekwini, in the upcoming November 4 elections.
- Nomvalo has announced plans to launch his own foundation to give back to the poor, despite remaining a member of the MK party.
