DURBAN — MK Party president Jacob Zuma has expelled two senior party leaders, Pumlani Kubukeli and Dr Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala.
The party confirmed the move on Thursday. Both MPs have lost their MK Party membership with immediate effect.
According to the party, their conduct harmed its name, reputation and interests. The party also accused them of weakening unity and discipline.
Zuma takes action against senior leaders
MK Party Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo signed the letters informing the two leaders of their expulsion.
The letters said Zuma made the decision as party president.
Meanwhile, the expulsions come after several changes within the MK Party. The party has faced a number of leadership disputes in recent months.
As a result, the latest move could increase pressure on the party’s leadership.
Kubukeli expelled from MK Party
Kubukeli is one of the MK Party’s senior figures. He previously served as convener of the party’s Strategic Presidential Team.
However, tensions have grown around his role in the party.
Kubukeli had also raised concerns about internal matters. In addition, reports have pointed to disagreements between him and other senior members.
His expulsion now brings his role in the party to an end.
Litchfield-Tshabalala also expelled
Dr Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala has also lost her MK Party membership.
She served as an MK Party MP in the National Assembly.
However, the party has not given full details about the conduct that led to her expulsion.
Instead, the party said the conduct damaged the organisation. It also said the conduct affected unity and discipline.
MK Party starts Parliament process
The MK Party has also written to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza.
The party wants Parliament to start the process of removing the two MPs.
However, their removal from Parliament will follow the required parliamentary process.
The latest move follows other high-profile changes within the MK Party.
Earlier this year, the party expelled Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. It also expelled former party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
Both later challenged their expulsions.
More changes expected ahead of elections
The latest expulsions have placed renewed focus on the MK Party’s leadership.
They have also raised questions about the party’s internal structure and decision-making.
Meanwhile, the MK Party is preparing for the upcoming local government elections.
For now, the party says it wants to protect unity, discipline and its integrity.
ECNewsLive will continue to follow developments involving the MK Party, Kubukeli and Litchfield-Tshabalala.
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