MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela steps down as MP

Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the national spokesperson for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, has confirmed plans to resign from his position as a Member of Parliament (MP).

Recently appointed by party leader Jacob Zuma as the full-time spokesperson, Ndhlela has also been included in the MK party’s top eight leadership and national high command.

In a statement, the party explained the move:“This decision is to ensure the further strengthening of the communications machinery of the party and to shape its strategic direction.”

A Focus on New Roles

Speaking with The Citizen, Ndhlela mentioned he would step down as MP “at some point” to dedicate himself fully to his expanded responsibilities.

“The party needs me and we’re going into elections effective for 2026, so I cannot afford to have a situation where we as a leadership are going to be slacking in areas where we should be putting our utmost attention and energy towards,” he said.

Ndhlela believes his efforts would be more impactful in his new roles than in Parliament, where he had already established key structures during his time as whip for media and communications.

Consulted with Zuma

Ndhlela stated he discussed his resignation with Zuma, sharing his perspective on the importance of reinforcing the party's values and identity.

“I went to the president and said, ‘Look, I believe Mr President that I think it is important that we reinculcate the culture of uMkhonto weSizwe and bring about some confidence, because what is happening is that there is this perception that members are now being parachuted into certain positions and that looks wrong and that we are no longer the uMkhonto weSizwe.’

“And I believe that it augers very well for people to know that I am back and give guidance and shape the organisation according to how we know the organisation to be,’” Ndhlela explained.

Restoring Member Confidence

Ndhlela emphasized his commitment to boosting morale among party members and reinforcing their confidence in the MK party's vision.

“As much as we got members coming in from other parties, here I am,” he said.

A Rising Force in Politics

Ndhlela’s journey with the MK party began in December 2023 when he was nominated as interim spokesperson. Since then, the party has made significant strides, notably performing well in national and provincial elections.

The MK party surprised many by securing 58 seats in Parliament, particularly outshining the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal, where it doubled the ANC’s vote count. This success contributed to the ANC’s decline, as it lost 71 seats and 17% of its 2019 voter base.