The Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has officially denied the authenticity of letters circulating on social media that purportedly show former president Jacob Zuma threatening to expel five KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature members. National spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela dismissed the letters as “fake,” stating president Zuma did not write any such communications.
The controversial letters, which began appearing on social media platforms Friday, gave the five MPLs seven days to explain why they should not be removed from the party. According to the letters, these members were accused of secretly plotting with the ANC to undermine the provincial unity government by forming a new coalition without party approval.
Bongumusa Mkhize, one of the MPLs named in the communications, denied receiving any letter and suggested the documents were created by “disgruntled or rogue party members” attempting to create divisions ahead of next year’s local government elections.
The incident comes amid reports of significant tensions within the party’s KwaZulu-Natal caucus. A senior provincial party member revealed the legislature caucus is experiencing internal conflict, with some members reportedly refusing to recognize Mervin Dirks as their chief whip.
Provincial convener Willies Mchunu also denied knowledge of any unofficial ANC engagement beyond formal coalition discussions, stating: “Because the letters are said to be written by the president, you must ask the national leadership but on behalf of the provincial leadership I categorically say there is no such thing.”
The MK Party, founded by Zuma in December 2023, has experienced considerable success in KwaZulu-Natal, having won six by-elections in the province as of May 2025. However, the party has faced internal challenges, including the January 2025 suspension of three members of its KwaZulu-Natal legislature contingent for alleged irregularities and transgressions of the party’s constitution.
Despite initial predictions that the MKP would simply cut into ANC support, the party secured 14.58% of the national vote in the 2024 elections, translating to 58 seats in the National Assembly. In KwaZulu-Natal specifically, the party dramatically outperformed expectations, winning approximately 44% of the provincial vote.
